Lake George Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1996–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake George was last stocked September 28, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Lake George has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2024, with about 770 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake George is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake George
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake George, 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 George was last stocked September 28, 2024, 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 George:
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.
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 George
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Lake George, freshest activity first.
Mineral Lake
14 miLewis County · 3 species · 525 records
Last stocked July 2026
Tom Lake
12 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 9 records
Last stocked October 2025
Long Lake
12 miLewis County · 2 species · 30 records
Last stocked August 2025
Fizrenken Lake
6 miLewis County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Willame Lake
14 miLewis County · 2 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Bertha May Lake
6 miLewis County · 2 species · 13 records
Last stocked November 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake George last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake George was last stocked September 28, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake George?
Lake George is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Lake George stocked?
Lake George is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake George?
About 770 fish have been stocked in Lake George across 8 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake George?
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 George?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake George 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.