Harris Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1997–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Harris Lake was last stocked September 2, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Harris Lake has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2024, with about 1,253 fish stocked over that period.
When Harris Lake is stocked
Harris Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris Lake was last stocked September 2, 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 Harris 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Harris 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 Harris Lake, freshest activity first.
Windy Lake
5 miKing County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2025
Island Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 2025
Rainbow Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2025
Kulla Kulla Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 9 records
Last stocked June 2025
My Lake
5 miKing County · 2 species · 9 records
Last stocked October 2024
Pratt Lake
3 miKing County · 2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Brook Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 80 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2001 | Brook Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 70 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 80 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1999 | Brown Trout | 22 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1997 | Brook Trout | 51 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Harris Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Harris Lake was last stocked September 2, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Harris Lake?
Harris Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Harris Lake stocked?
Harris Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Harris Lake stocked?
Harris Lake is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Harris Lake?
About 1,253 fish have been stocked in Harris Lake across 12 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Harris 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 Harris Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Harris 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.