Leader Lake Fish Stocking
Okanogan County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leader Lake was last stocked September 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Leader Lake has 113 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 528,150 fish stocked over that period.
When Leader Lake is stocked
Leader Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Leader Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Okanogan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Leader 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 Leader Lake was last stocked September 29, 2025, 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 Leader 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Leader 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Leader Lake, freshest activity first.
Green Lake
7 miOkanogan County · 2 species · 56 records
Last stocked July 2026
Buzzard Lake
4 miOkanogan County · 1 species · 53 records
Last stocked June 2026
Patterson Lake
9 miOkanogan County · 6 species · 143 records
Last stocked June 2026
Conconully Lake
14 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 289 records
Last stocked May 2026
Conconully Reservoir
13 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 277 records
Last stocked May 2026
Schalow Pond
17 miOkanogan County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2025 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2024 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 4, 2023 | Brown Trout | 1,260 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2022 | Brown Trout | 3,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2022 | Brown Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2022 | Brown Trout | 3,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 4,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,191 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 182 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,439 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,474 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2012 | Black Crappie | 39,739 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 113 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Leader Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leader Lake was last stocked September 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Leader Lake?
Leader Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Tiger Trout, and Black Crappie.
What time of year is Leader Lake stocked?
Leader Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Leader Lake stocked?
Leader Lake has been stocked about 4 times a year — 113 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Leader Lake?
About 528,150 fish have been stocked in Leader Lake across 113 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Leader 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 Leader Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Leader 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.