Green Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Green Lake was last stocked June 9, 2026 with Channel Catfish. Green Lake has 244 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 1,474,214 fish stocked over that period.
When Green Lake is stocked
Green Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 50 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Green Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in King County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Green 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 Green Lake was last stocked June 9, 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 Green 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Green 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Green Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Washington
6 miKing County · 4 species · 203 records
Last stocked May 2026
Juanita Creek
6 miKing County · 1 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2026
Haller Lake
3 miKing County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2026
Bitter Lake
3 miKing County · 2 species · 37 records
Last stocked April 2026
Boeing Creek
5 miKing County · 1 species · 39 records
Last stocked January 2026
Mcaleer Creek
6 miKing County · 1 species · 52 records
Last stocked January 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2026 | Channel Catfish | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2026 | Steelhead | 2,170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2025 | Brown Trout | 16,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,072 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,072 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 693 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 670 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2025 | Channel Catfish | 1,950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 19, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2024 | Brown Trout | 15,235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,093 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 819 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2023 | Brown Trout | 15,555 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,890 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5,738 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 618 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,895 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 8, 2022 | Brown Trout | 12,845 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,196 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,851 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,712 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 8, 2022 | Brown Trout | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 657 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 15,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2021 | Steelhead | 438 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2021 | Steelhead | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 4,899 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 6,015 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 15, 2020 | Brown Trout | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,877 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 3, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,017 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 244 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Green Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Green Lake was last stocked June 9, 2026 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Green Lake?
Green Lake is stocked with Channel Catfish, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Tiger Trout.
What time of year is Green Lake stocked?
Green Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Green Lake stocked?
Green Lake has been stocked about 8 times a year — 244 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Green Lake?
About 1,474,214 fish have been stocked in Green Lake across 244 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Green 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 Green Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Green 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.