Chain Lake Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chain Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Chain Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 63,532 fish stocked over that period.
When Chain Lake is stocked
Chain Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Chain Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Chain Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Chain Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Washington freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Washington license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Washington fish & wildlife agency.Official Washington regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Chain Lake:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Chain Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Chain Lake, freshest activity first.
Flowing Lake
3 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 149 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wagner Lake
2 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked April 2026
Storm Lake
2 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 105 records
Last stocked April 2026
Blackmans Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 157 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lost Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 28 records
Last stocked March 2026
Panther Lake
3 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 40 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 930 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,051 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,138 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,102 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,208 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 387 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,574 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,516 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,533 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,513 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,168 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 575 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1998 | Steelhead | 9,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,833 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,070 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Chain Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chain Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Chain Lake?
Chain Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Steelhead.
What time of year is Chain Lake stocked?
Chain Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Chain Lake stocked?
Chain Lake is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Chain Lake?
About 63,532 fish have been stocked in Chain Lake across 35 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Chain Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Washington freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Washington fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Chain Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Chain Lake typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.