Howell Lake Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Howell Lake was last stocked April 9, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Howell Lake has 86 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 46,669 fish stocked over that period.
When Howell Lake is stocked
Howell Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 40 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Howell 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 Howell 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 Howell Lake was last stocked April 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 Howell 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.
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 Howell 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 Howell Lake, freshest activity first.
Robbins Lake
4 miMason County · 2 species · 86 records
Last stocked May 2026
Jiggs Lake
4 miMason County · 2 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2026
U Lake
4 miMason County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cady Lake
3 miMason County · 3 species · 75 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Wooten
3 miMason County · 2 species · 120 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Maggie
3 miMason County · 2 species · 79 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 9, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 489 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 622 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 251 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 94 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 126 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 86 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Howell Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Howell Lake was last stocked April 9, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Howell Lake?
Howell Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Howell Lake stocked?
Howell Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Howell Lake stocked?
Howell Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 86 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Howell Lake?
About 46,669 fish have been stocked in Howell Lake across 86 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Howell 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 Howell Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Howell 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.