Leech Lake Fish Stocking
Yakima County, Washington · 2008–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leech Lake was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Leech Lake has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 2008–2026, with about 10,458 fish stocked over that period.
When Leech Lake is stocked
Leech Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Leech Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Yakima County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Leech 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 Leech Lake was last stocked May 19, 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 Leech 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.
Recommended Tackle for Leech 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.
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 Leech Lake, freshest activity first.
Cramer Lake
3 miYakima County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked June 2026
Knuppenburg Lake
2 miLewis County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked June 2026
Dog Lake
2 miYakima County · 2 species · 101 records
Last stocked June 2026
Art Lake
4 miYakima County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2025
Dumbbell Lake
3 miLewis County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Beusch Lake
4 miLewis County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 715 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 801 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 651 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 367 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 739 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Leech Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Leech Lake was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Leech Lake?
Leech Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Leech Lake stocked?
Leech Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Leech Lake stocked?
Leech Lake is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 2008 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Leech Lake?
About 10,458 fish have been stocked in Leech Lake across 16 recorded events since 2008, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Leech 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 Leech Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Leech 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.