Horseshoe Lake Fish Stocking
Cowlitz County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Horseshoe Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Horseshoe Lake has 350 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 842,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Horseshoe Lake is stocked
Horseshoe Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 136 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Horseshoe Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Cowlitz County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake was last stocked May 15, 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 Horseshoe 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake, freshest activity first.
Canyon Creek
5 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 9 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lewis River
3 mi5 species · 212 records
Last stocked April 2026
Gee Creek
3 miCowlitz County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked March 2026
Canyon Creek
5 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 2025
Canyon Creek
5 miClark County · 1 species · 41 records
Last stocked May 2024
Canyon Creek
5 miClallam County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked March 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 72 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2026 | Brown Trout | 3,240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2025 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,105 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 19, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 19, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2024 | Brown Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,970 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 183 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 17 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2023 | Brown Trout | 2,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2022 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 83 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 18 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 350 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Horseshoe Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Horseshoe Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Horseshoe Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Horseshoe Lake has been stocked about 11 times a year — 350 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Horseshoe Lake?
About 842,520 fish have been stocked in Horseshoe Lake across 350 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Horseshoe 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.