Lake Kapowsin Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Kapowsin was last stocked November 25, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Lake Kapowsin has 162 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2024, with about 1,256,806 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Kapowsin is stocked
Lake Kapowsin is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 53 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Kapowsin
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 Kapowsin, 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 Kapowsin was last stocked November 25, 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 Kapowsin:
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).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Kapowsin
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.
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 Kapowsin, freshest activity first.
Voight Creek
7 miPierce County · 4 species · 313 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rapjohn Lake
8 miPierce County · 3 species · 112 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tanwax Lake
4 miPierce County · 3 species · 175 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clear Lake
5 miPierce County · 3 species · 169 records
Last stocked May 2026
Silver Lake
10 miPierce County · 4 species · 84 records
Last stocked April 2026
Ohop Lake
6 miPierce County · 2 species · 136 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 651 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 651 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 9,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,671 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 714 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 30, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,922 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 684 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 12,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 16, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,999 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 10,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,328 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,672 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,012 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 640 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 167 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 625 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 246 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 625 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 4,669 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 162 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Kapowsin last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Kapowsin was last stocked November 25, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Kapowsin?
Lake Kapowsin is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Lake Kapowsin stocked?
Lake Kapowsin is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Lake Kapowsin stocked?
Lake Kapowsin has been stocked about 5 times a year — 162 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Kapowsin?
About 1,256,806 fish have been stocked in Lake Kapowsin across 162 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Kapowsin?
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 Kapowsin?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Kapowsin 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.