Davis Lake Fish Stocking
Ferry County, Washington · 1996–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Davis Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Davis Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2026, with about 128,720 fish stocked over that period.
When Davis Lake is stocked
Davis Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Davis 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 Davis 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 Davis Lake was last stocked May 15, 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 Davis 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.
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.
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 Davis 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 Davis Lake, freshest activity first.
First Thought Lake
12 miStevens County · 1 species · 24 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pierre Lake
12 miStevens County · 4 species · 99 records
Last stocked May 2026
Summit Lake
16 miStevens County · 2 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2026
Renner Lake
3 miFerry County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Trout Lake
8 miFerry County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Williams Lake
12 miStevens County · 1 species · 40 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,007 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,623 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,290 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,075 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,011 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,504 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,052 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,542 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,509 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,506 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,988 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,038 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,084 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,082 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,022 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,018 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,084 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,984 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,969 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Davis Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Davis Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Davis Lake?
Davis Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Davis Lake stocked?
Davis Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Davis Lake stocked?
Davis Lake is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Davis Lake?
About 128,720 fish have been stocked in Davis Lake across 35 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Davis 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 Davis Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Davis 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.