Cottage Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Cottage Lake was last stocked April 14, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Cottage Lake has 91 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 468,098 fish stocked over that period.
When Cottage Lake is stocked
Cottage Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 67 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cottage 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 Cottage 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 Cottage Lake was last stocked April 14, 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 Cottage 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Cottage 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Cottage Lake, freshest activity first.
Skykomish River
6 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 126 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cottage Lake Creek
3 miKing County · 2 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2024
Mackey Creek
4 miKing County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked April 2024
Skykomish River
6 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2022
Evans Creek
5 miKing County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked March 2020
Evans Creek
5 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked April 2019
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,916 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,960 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 9,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,863 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 11,451 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 5,842 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 4,980 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 7,067 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 11,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 11,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 161 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,675 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,564 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,784 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,069 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 492 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 12,024 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 4,872 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 7,397 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 414 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 4,368 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,204 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,848 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,248 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,369 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,732 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,852 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,428 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 14, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,323 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 9,503 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 8,660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,090 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 91 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cottage Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Cottage Lake was last stocked April 14, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cottage Lake?
Cottage Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Cottage Lake stocked?
Cottage Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Cottage Lake stocked?
Cottage Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 91 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Cottage Lake?
About 468,098 fish have been stocked in Cottage Lake across 91 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cottage 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 Cottage Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cottage 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.