Little Joe Lake Fish Stocking
Kittitas County, Washington · 1995–2021 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Little Joe Lake was last stocked August 28, 2021 with Rainbow Trout. Little Joe Lake has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2021, with about 2,350 fish stocked over that period.
When Little Joe Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Little Joe Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Kittitas County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Little Joe 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 Little Joe Lake was last stocked August 28, 2021, 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 Little Joe 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 Little Joe 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 Little Joe Lake, freshest activity first.
Kachess Lake
6 miKittitas County · 2 species · 141 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cooper Lake
3 miKittitas County · 2 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Thorp Lake
3 miKittitas County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked October 2025
Opal Lake
6 miKittitas County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Morgan Creek
5 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked March 2024
Diamond Lake
4 miKittitas County · 1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 310 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 290 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 195 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 390 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 385 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 390 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Little Joe Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Little Joe Lake was last stocked August 28, 2021 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Little Joe Lake?
Little Joe Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Little Joe Lake stocked?
Little Joe Lake is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Little Joe Lake?
About 2,350 fish have been stocked in Little Joe Lake across 8 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Little Joe 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 Little Joe Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Little Joe 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.