Goose Lake Fish Stocking
Lewis County, Washington · 1999–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Goose Lake was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Brown Trout. Goose Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1999–2026, with about 24,270 fish stocked over that period.
When Goose Lake is stocked
Goose Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Goose Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Lewis County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Goose 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 Goose Lake was last stocked July 16, 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 Goose 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Goose 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 Goose Lake, freshest activity first.
Mineral Lake
8 miLewis County · 3 species · 525 records
Last stocked July 2026
Swofford Pond
12 miLewis County · 8 species · 191 records
Last stocked May 2026
Alder Lake
9 miPierce County · 3 species · 113 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clear Lake
13 miThurston County · 5 species · 199 records
Last stocked April 2026
Twelve Lake
11 miKing County · 2 species · 48 records
Last stocked April 2026
Connelly Creek
7 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 28 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2026 | Brown Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2025 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2023 | Brown Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2021 | Brown Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2017 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2015 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2013 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2009 | Brown Trout | 510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 2008 | Brown Trout | 6,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,577 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2007 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2007 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2006 | Brown Trout | 527 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2003 | Brown Trout | 520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1999 | Brown Trout | 502 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Goose Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Goose Lake was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Goose Lake?
Goose Lake is stocked with Brown Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Goose Lake stocked?
Goose Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Goose Lake stocked?
Goose Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1999 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Goose Lake?
About 24,270 fish have been stocked in Goose Lake across 17 recorded events since 1999, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Goose 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 Goose Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Goose 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.