Margaret Lake Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1996–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Margaret Lake was last stocked August 22, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Margaret Lake has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2025, with about 37,113 fish stocked over that period.
When Margaret Lake is stocked
Margaret Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Margaret Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Margaret 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 Margaret Lake was last stocked August 22, 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 Margaret 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Margaret 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 Margaret Lake, freshest activity first.
Tye Lake
5 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 106 records
Last stocked April 2026
Scrabble Lake
2 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2025
Grouse Lake
1 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2025
Minotaur Lake
4 miChelan County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2025
Skyline Lake
6 miKing County · 2 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2025
Dow Lake
3 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,457 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,605 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,446 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 25, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,592 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,145 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 705 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Margaret Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Margaret Lake was last stocked August 22, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Margaret Lake?
Margaret Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Margaret Lake stocked?
Margaret Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April.
How often is Margaret Lake stocked?
Margaret Lake is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Margaret Lake?
About 37,113 fish have been stocked in Margaret Lake across 19 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Margaret 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 Margaret Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Margaret 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.