Leadbetter Lake Fish Stocking
Pend Oreille County, Washington · 1995–2020 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leadbetter Lake was last stocked June 18, 2020 with Rainbow Trout. Leadbetter Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2020, with about 173,978 fish stocked over that period.
When Leadbetter Lake is stocked
Leadbetter Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Leadbetter Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pend Oreille County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Leadbetter Lake, 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 Leadbetter Lake was last stocked June 18, 2020, 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 Leadbetter Lake:
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.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Leadbetter Lake
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 Leadbetter Lake, freshest activity first.
Cedar River
6 miKing County · 2 species · 1310 records
Last stocked May 2026
North Nemah R24.0460
13 miPacific County · 4 species · 238 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hansen Creek
6 miSkagit County · 1 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 2024
North River
9 miPacific County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 2023
Willapa River
10 miPacific County · 3 species · 39 records
Last stocked March 2021
Williams Creek
13 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 10 records
Last stocked April 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 6,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2009 | Brook Trout | 7,468 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2008 | Brook Trout | 9,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2007 | Brook Trout | 9,966 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2006 | Brook Trout | 10,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2005 | Brook Trout | 10,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2004 | Brook Trout | 10,004 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2003 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2002 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2001 | Brook Trout | 9,990 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2000 | Brook Trout | 9,999 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1998 | Brook Trout | 10,030 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1997 | Brook Trout | 10,013 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1996 | Brook Trout | 10,032 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1995 | Brook Trout | 6,375 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,046 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Leadbetter Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leadbetter Lake was last stocked June 18, 2020 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Leadbetter Lake?
Leadbetter Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Leadbetter Lake stocked?
Leadbetter Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Leadbetter Lake stocked?
Leadbetter Lake is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Leadbetter Lake?
About 173,978 fish have been stocked in Leadbetter Lake across 24 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Leadbetter Lake?
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 Leadbetter Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Leadbetter Lake 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.