King Lake Fish Stocking
Pend Oreille County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, King Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. King Lake has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 278,079 fish stocked over that period.
When King Lake is stocked
King Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for King Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pend Oreille County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into King 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 King Lake was last stocked May 12, 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 King 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.
Recommended Tackle for King 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 King Lake, freshest activity first.
Wagner Lake
5 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Margaret
3 miKing County · 2 species · 78 records
Last stocked April 2026
Snoqualmie River
6 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 213 records
Last stocked April 2024
Elwell Creek
4 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked January 2024
Snoqualmie River
6 miKing County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2022
Trestle Swamp
2 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2009
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,496 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,138 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,011 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 743 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,860 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,097 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,840 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,013 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,343 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,488 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,491 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,009 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,427 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,083 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,433 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,966 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,772 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,694 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,402 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,692 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 816 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 17, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,679 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,066 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 703 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 37 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,048 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,742 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,960 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,018 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,015 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,048 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,008 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,512 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was King Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, King Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in King Lake?
King Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is King Lake stocked?
King Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October.
How often is King Lake stocked?
King Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 46 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in King Lake?
About 278,079 fish have been stocked in King Lake across 46 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish King 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 King Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in King 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.