Grass Lake Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Grass Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Grass Lake has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 30,123 fish stocked over that period.
When Grass Lake is stocked
Grass Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Grass Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Mason County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Grass 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 Grass Lake was last stocked May 12, 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 Grass 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.
Recommended Tackle for Grass 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 Grass Lake, freshest activity first.
Big Soos Creek
5 miKing County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Newaukum Creek
4 miKing County · 1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Shadow Lake
5 miKing County · 2 species · 45 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Sawyer
2 miKing County · 4 species · 102 records
Last stocked May 2026
Holm Lake
3 miKing County · 4 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Spring Lake
7 miKing County · 1 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,535 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,523 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,770 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,547 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,116 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,065 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,088 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 992 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,012 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,480 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 994 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,152 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,104 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,175 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Grass Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Grass Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Grass Lake?
Grass Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Grass Lake stocked?
Grass Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Grass Lake stocked?
Grass Lake is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Grass Lake?
About 30,123 fish have been stocked in Grass Lake across 23 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Grass 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 Grass Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Grass 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.