Lake Chelan Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 2002–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Chelan was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Lake Chelan has 41 stocking records on file, spanning 2002–2026, with about 201,144 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Chelan is stocked
Lake Chelan is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Chelan
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Chelan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Chelan, 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 Chelan was last stocked May 28, 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 Lake Chelan:
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
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 Chelan
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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Lake Chelan, freshest activity first.
Wapato Lake
12 miChelan County · 4 species · 149 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Chelan
0 miChelan County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2026
Roses Lake
13 miChelan County · 6 species · 223 records
Last stocked May 2026
Antilon Lake North
10 miChelan County · 2 species · 13 records
Last stocked April 2026
Antilon Lake South
10 miChelan County · 4 species · 62 records
Last stocked April 2026
Dry Lake
12 miChelan County · 3 species · 31 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,310 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,592 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 33 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 475 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 8,658 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,797 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 406 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 12,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 5,341 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 9,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 5,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 286 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2011 | Chinook Salmon | 22,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 7,530 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 127 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 28 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 5,075 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 513 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 236 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 114 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,420 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,370 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Chelan last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Chelan was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Chelan?
Lake Chelan is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Lake Chelan stocked?
Lake Chelan is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Lake Chelan stocked?
Lake Chelan has been stocked about 2 times a year — 41 recorded stockings between 2002 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Chelan?
About 201,144 fish have been stocked in Lake Chelan across 41 recorded events since 2002, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Chelan?
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 Chelan?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Chelan 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.