Curl Lake Fish Stocking
Columbia County, Washington · 2009–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Curl Lake was last stocked June 3, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Curl Lake has 104 stocking records on file, spanning 2009–2026, with about 159,527 fish stocked over that period.
When Curl Lake is stocked
Curl Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 60 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Curl Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Columbia County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Curl 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 Curl Lake was last stocked June 3, 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 Curl 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.
Recommended Tackle for Curl 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 Curl Lake, freshest activity first.
Blue Lake
5 miColumbia County · 2 species · 439 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Lake
5 miColumbia County · 2 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rainbow Lake
4 miColumbia County · 2 species · 375 records
Last stocked June 2026
Watson Lake
2 miColumbia County · 1 species · 275 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lewis River North Fork
9 miCowlitz County · 4 species · 1360 records
Last stocked June 2026
Deer Lake
4 miColumbia County · 1 species · 171 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 565 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 179 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,625 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 305 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 247 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 103 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,976 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,433 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,445 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,813 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 151 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,144 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,244 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,984 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 988 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 104 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Curl Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Curl Lake was last stocked June 3, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Curl Lake?
Curl Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Curl Lake stocked?
Curl Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Curl Lake stocked?
Curl Lake has been stocked about 6 times a year — 104 recorded stockings between 2009 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Curl Lake?
About 159,527 fish have been stocked in Curl Lake across 104 recorded events since 2009, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Curl 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 Curl Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Curl 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.