Hanks Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 2003–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Hanks Lake was last stocked July 20, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Hanks Lake has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 2003–2024, with about 1,260 fish stocked over that period.
When Hanks Lake is stocked
Hanks Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hanks 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 Hanks 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 Hanks Lake was last stocked July 20, 2024, 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 Hanks 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 Hanks 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 Hanks Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Kokanee
11 miMason County · 3 species · 115 records
Last stocked July 2026
Panhandle Lake
5 miMason County · 2 species · 71 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bingham Creek
10 miGrays Harbor County · 2 species · 107 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lost Lake
6 miMason County · 3 species · 223 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nahwatzel Lake
3 miMason County · 2 species · 194 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Limerick
11 miMason County · 2 species · 59 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Hanks Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Hanks Lake was last stocked July 20, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hanks Lake?
Hanks Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Hanks Lake stocked?
Hanks Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Hanks Lake stocked?
Hanks Lake is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 2003 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Hanks Lake?
About 1,260 fish have been stocked in Hanks Lake across 14 recorded events since 2003, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hanks 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 Hanks Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Hanks 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.