Mirror Lake Fish Stocking
Kittitas County, Washington · 1997–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mirror Lake was last stocked July 25, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Mirror Lake has 32 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2025, with about 18,026 fish stocked over that period.
When Mirror Lake is stocked
Mirror Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mirror 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 Mirror 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 Mirror Lake was last stocked July 25, 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 Mirror 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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Mirror 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 Mirror Lake, freshest activity first.
Keechelus Lake
3 miKittitas County · 4 species · 79 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rockdale Lake
3 miKing County · 2 species · 15 records
Last stocked October 2025
Divide Lake
4 miKittitas County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2025
Frog Lake
3 miKittitas County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2025
Lodge Lake
4 miKing County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked July 2025
Scout Lake
3 miKing County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 24 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2014 | Golden Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2013 | Golden Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2012 | Golden Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 2009 | Golden Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 126 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2006 | Golden Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Mirror Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mirror Lake was last stocked July 25, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mirror Lake?
Mirror Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Golden Trout.
What time of year is Mirror Lake stocked?
Mirror Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Mirror Lake stocked?
Mirror Lake is stocked intermittently — 32 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Mirror Lake?
About 18,026 fish have been stocked in Mirror Lake across 32 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mirror 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 Mirror Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Mirror 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.