Chopaka Lake Fish Stocking
Okanogan County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chopaka Lake was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Chopaka Lake has 51 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 163,603 fish stocked over that period.
When Chopaka Lake is stocked
Chopaka Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 23 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Chopaka Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Okanogan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Chopaka 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 Chopaka Lake was last stocked July 1, 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 Chopaka 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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Chopaka 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Chopaka Lake, freshest activity first.
Aeneas Lake
18 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 67 records
Last stocked June 2026
Palmer Lake
3 miOkanogan County · 5 species · 294 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spectacle Lake
10 miOkanogan County · 4 species · 256 records
Last stocked May 2026
Washburn Lake
7 miOkanogan County · 6 species · 55 records
Last stocked May 2026
Conners Lake
11 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2026
Forde Lake
12 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,051 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 4,013 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,307 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,693 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 5,003 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 5,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,083 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 3,564 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 3,564 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,048 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,516 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,562 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,484 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 6,039 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 6,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 7,006 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 51 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Chopaka Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chopaka Lake was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Chopaka Lake?
Chopaka Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout.
What time of year is Chopaka Lake stocked?
Chopaka Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Chopaka Lake stocked?
Chopaka Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 51 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Chopaka Lake?
About 163,603 fish have been stocked in Chopaka Lake across 51 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Chopaka 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 Chopaka Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Chopaka 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.