Mal Lake Fish Stocking
Yakima County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mal Lake was last stocked August 11, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Mal Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 11,664 fish stocked over that period.
When Mal Lake is stocked
Mal Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mal 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 Mal 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 Mal Lake was last stocked August 11, 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 Mal 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Mal 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 Mal Lake, freshest activity first.
Lost Lake
9 miYakima County · 2 species · 112 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bumping Lake
12 miYakima County · 2 species · 78 records
Last stocked May 2026
Long Lake
11 miYakima County · 2 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bear Lake
5 miYakima County · 2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Flat Iron Lake
9 miYakima County · 2 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2024
Pear Lake
10 miYakima County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 480 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 420 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 410 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 402 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 405 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 412 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 420 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 451 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 528 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Brook Trout | 551 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Brook Trout | 501 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2003 | Brook Trout | 690 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2002 | Brook Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2001 | Brook Trout | 514 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2000 | Brook Trout | 504 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1999 | Brook Trout | 550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1998 | Brook Trout | 518 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1997 | Brook Trout | 498 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1996 | Brook Trout | 540 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1995 | Brook Trout | 520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Mal Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mal Lake was last stocked August 11, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mal Lake?
Mal Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Mal Lake stocked?
Mal Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Mal Lake stocked?
Mal Lake is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Mal Lake?
About 11,664 fish have been stocked in Mal Lake across 24 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mal 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 Mal Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Mal 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.