Curlew Lake Fish Stocking
Ferry County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Curlew Lake was last stocked May 18, 2026 with Tiger Trout. Curlew Lake has 256 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 6,214,492 fish stocked over that period.
When Curlew Lake is stocked
Curlew Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 99 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Curlew Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Ferry County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Curlew 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 Curlew Lake was last stocked May 18, 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 Curlew 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).
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
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 Curlew 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 Curlew Lake, freshest activity first.
Bonaparte Lake
18 miOkanogan County · 7 species · 226 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Beth
17 miOkanogan County · 4 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2026
Renner Lake
22 miFerry County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lyman Lake
18 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2026
Davis Lake
20 miFerry County · 2 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2026
Trout Lake
21 miFerry County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15,031 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2025 | Kokanee | 40,315 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 84,177 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 204 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2024 | Kokanee | 20,041 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 80,625 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2023 | Kokanee | 6,048 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 78,031 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2023 | Kokanee | 19,110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 83,547 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 40,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 22,230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 23,335 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2022 | Kokanee | 4,705 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2022 | Kokanee | 10,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 80,455 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2021 | Kokanee | 4,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 17,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 11,935 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 9,687 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 31,899 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 18,755 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 24,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 71,681 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 20,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 30,117 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 15,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 30,283 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2020 | Kokanee | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 15,990 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 17,251 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 82,952 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 35,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 29,741 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2019 | Kokanee | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 70,375 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,011 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 18,840 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 11,457 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 31,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 29,601 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2018 | Kokanee | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 256 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Curlew Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Curlew Lake was last stocked May 18, 2026 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Curlew Lake?
Curlew Lake is stocked with Tiger Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee.
What time of year is Curlew Lake stocked?
Curlew Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Curlew Lake stocked?
Curlew Lake has been stocked about 8 times a year — 256 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Curlew Lake?
About 6,214,492 fish have been stocked in Curlew Lake across 256 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Curlew 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 Curlew Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Curlew 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.