Mattoon Lake Fish Stocking
Kittitas County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mattoon Lake was last stocked May 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Mattoon Lake has 278 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 435,915 fish stocked over that period.
When Mattoon Lake is stocked
Mattoon Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 64 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mattoon 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 Mattoon 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 Mattoon Lake was last stocked May 11, 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 Mattoon 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.
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 Mattoon 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 Mattoon Lake, freshest activity first.
Big Soos Creek
King County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Mineral Lake
Lewis County · 3 species · 525 records
Last stocked July 2026
Minter Creek
Kitsap County · 4 species · 651 records
Last stocked July 2026
Fork Creek
Pacific County · 4 species · 561 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lewis River North Fork
Cowlitz County · 4 species · 1360 records
Last stocked June 2026
Klineline Pond
Clark County · 4 species · 561 records
Last stocked June 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,105 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 102 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 48 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,013 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,840 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,990 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 117 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 33 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 55 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 7, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,036 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,437 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 114 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 61 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 114 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 61 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 278 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Mattoon Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mattoon Lake was last stocked May 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mattoon Lake?
Mattoon Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Mattoon Lake stocked?
Mattoon Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Mattoon Lake stocked?
Mattoon Lake has been stocked about 9 times a year — 278 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Mattoon Lake?
About 435,915 fish have been stocked in Mattoon Lake across 278 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mattoon 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 Mattoon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Mattoon 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.