Lake Tapps Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 2000–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Tapps was last stocked June 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Lake Tapps has 41 stocking records on file, spanning 2000–2026, with about 550,822 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Tapps is stocked
Lake Tapps is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Tapps
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 Tapps, 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 Tapps was last stocked June 11, 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 Tapps:
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Tapps
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 Tapps, freshest activity first.
Big Soos Creek
6 miKing County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Bradley Lake
7 miPierce County · 3 species · 180 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wilkeson Creek
7 miPierce County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Newaukum Creek
6 miKing County · 1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Killarney
7 miKing County · 2 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fivemile Lake
7 miKing County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 88,803 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 8,880 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 1,631 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 2,070 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,181 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 33 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 48,904 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 1,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,526 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 7,975 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 6,798 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 33,260 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 594 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 31,047 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 613 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 28,115 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 15,615 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 9,135 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 16,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 18,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 16,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2014 | Tiger Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2012 | Tiger Trout | 1,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 1,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 1,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2009 | Tiger Trout | 1,790 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 191 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Tiger Trout | 803 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2002 | Tiger Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2001 | Coho Salmon | 136,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2000 | Tiger Trout | 1,876 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Tapps last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Tapps was last stocked June 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Tapps?
Lake Tapps is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Lake Tapps stocked?
Lake Tapps is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Lake Tapps stocked?
Lake Tapps has been stocked about 2 times a year — 41 recorded stockings between 2000 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Tapps?
About 550,822 fish have been stocked in Lake Tapps across 41 recorded events since 2000, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Tapps?
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 Tapps?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Tapps 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.