Cradle Lake Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 1997–2023 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Cradle Lake was last stocked September 30, 2023 with Rainbow Trout. Cradle Lake has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2023, with about 2,950 fish stocked over that period.
When Cradle Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cradle Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Chelan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Cradle 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 Cradle Lake was last stocked September 30, 2023, 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 Cradle 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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Cradle 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 Cradle Lake, freshest activity first.
Swallow Lake
7 miChelan County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2025
Bob Lake
7 miChelan County · 2 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 2025
Horseshoe Lake
6 miChelan County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Ingalls Lake
6 miChelan County · 3 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Swallow Lake
7 miChelan County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2024
Peggys Pond
7 miKittitas County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 536 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2023 | Golden Trout | 104 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2018 | Golden Trout | 640 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2011 | Golden Trout | 550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2004 | Golden Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1997 | Golden Trout | 550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Cradle Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Cradle Lake was last stocked September 30, 2023 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cradle Lake?
Cradle Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Golden Trout.
How often is Cradle Lake stocked?
Cradle Lake is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Cradle Lake?
About 2,950 fish have been stocked in Cradle Lake across 6 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cradle 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 Cradle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cradle 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.