Lake Howard Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Howard was last stocked May 20, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Lake Howard has 80 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 329,431 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Howard is stocked
Lake Howard is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 47 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Howard
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Howard, 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 Howard was last stocked May 20, 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 Howard:
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 Howard
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 Howard, freshest activity first.
Lake Goodwin
2 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 211 records
Last stocked May 2026
Crabapple Lake
3 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 72 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Ketchum
9 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Loma
4 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Ki
3 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 135 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cranberry Lake
8 miIsland County · 3 species · 135 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 781 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 3,516 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,667 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,863 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 505 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,513 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,282 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 3,551 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,032 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,117 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,074 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,249 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,108 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,248 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,502 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,103 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 80 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Howard last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Howard was last stocked May 20, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Howard?
Lake Howard is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Lake Howard stocked?
Lake Howard is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Lake Howard stocked?
Lake Howard has been stocked about 3 times a year — 80 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Howard?
About 329,431 fish have been stocked in Lake Howard across 80 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Howard?
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 Howard?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Howard 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.