Lake Blethen Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2021 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Blethen was last stocked August 29, 2021 with Rainbow Trout. Lake Blethen has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2021, with about 3,725 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Blethen is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Blethen
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 Lake Blethen, 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 Lake Blethen was last stocked August 29, 2021, 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 Lake Blethen:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Blethen
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 Lake Blethen, freshest activity first.
Nine Hour Lake
6 miKing County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2026
Cougar Lake
4 miKing County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2026
Sunday Lake
4 miKing County · 1 species · 27 records
Last stocked October 2025
Anderson Lake
6 miKing County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2024
Lake Isabella
2 miKing County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2023
Honey Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 335 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 590 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Blethen last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Blethen was last stocked August 29, 2021 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Blethen?
Lake Blethen is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Lake Blethen stocked?
Lake Blethen is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Blethen?
About 3,725 fish have been stocked in Lake Blethen across 9 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Blethen?
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 Lake Blethen?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Blethen 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.