Council Lake Fish Stocking
Skamania County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Council Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Council Lake has 52 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 170,316 fish stocked over that period.
When Council Lake is stocked
Council Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Council Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skamania County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Council 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 Council Lake was last stocked June 23, 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 Council 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Council 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 Council Lake, freshest activity first.
Takhlakh Lake
2 miSkamania County · 4 species · 92 records
Last stocked June 2026
Olallie Lake
2 miSkamania County · 5 species · 93 records
Last stocked June 2026
Mouse Lake
7 miSkamania County · 2 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2025
Jackpot Lake
14 miLewis County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Steamboat Lake
10 miSkamania County · 3 species · 59 records
Last stocked July 2025
Big Mosquito Lake
11 miSkamania County · 2 species · 53 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 14,950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,032 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,947 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,744 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,073 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,044 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,068 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,367 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,099 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,059 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,337 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,362 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,621 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,317 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,665 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,955 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 5,892 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 4,503 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 3,768 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Brown Trout | 1,424 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 4,109 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,298 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2006 | Brown Trout | 1,035 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,165 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,315 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 4,099 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2003 | Brown Trout | 2,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2001 | Brook Trout | 3,636 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2000 | Brook Trout | 2,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2000 | Brook Trout | 3,131 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1999 | Brook Trout | 2,096 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,345 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1998 | Brook Trout | 3,178 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Brook Trout | 3,232 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1996 | Brook Trout | 4,568 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1996 | Brook Trout | 1,224 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1996 | Brook Trout | 2,006 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 52 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Council Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Council Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Council Lake?
Council Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Council Lake stocked?
Council Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Council Lake stocked?
Council Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 52 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Council Lake?
About 170,316 fish have been stocked in Council Lake across 52 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Council 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 Council Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Council 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.