Charlie Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Charlie Lake was last stocked July 27, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Charlie Lake has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 1,940 fish stocked over that period.
When Charlie Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Charlie Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in King County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Charlie 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 Charlie Lake was last stocked July 27, 2025, 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 Charlie 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Charlie 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 Charlie Lake, freshest activity first.
Moira Lake
2 miKing County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2025
Charlie Lake
0 miKing County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2025
Merlin Lake
3 miKing County · 1 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2025
Myrtle Lake
3 miKing County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2025
Deer Lake
2 miKing County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2024
Copper Lake
2 miKing County · 2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 140 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Charlie Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Charlie Lake was last stocked July 27, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Charlie Lake?
Charlie Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Charlie Lake stocked?
Charlie Lake is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Charlie Lake?
About 1,940 fish have been stocked in Charlie Lake across 10 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Charlie 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 Charlie Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Charlie 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.