Moses Lake Fish Stocking
Grant County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Moses Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Moses Lake has 132 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 2,037,877 fish stocked over that period.
When Moses Lake is stocked
Moses Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 48 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Moses Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Grant County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Moses 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 Moses Lake was last stocked June 23, 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 Moses 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Moses 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Moses Lake, freshest activity first.
Potholes Reservoir
9 miGrant County · 6 species · 114 records
Last stocked June 2026
Goldeneye Lake
12 miGrant County · 1 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 2026
Chukar Lake
13 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pillar Lake
13 miGrant County · 1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Widgeon Lake
15 miGrant County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Black Lake
16 miChelan County · 6 species · 113 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 23,628 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,475 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 19,991 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,567 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,055 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 740 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,184 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,539 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 44,130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,635 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,087 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,247 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,144 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 52,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2008 | Bluegill | 590 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2008 | Bluegill | 20,683 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 132 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Moses Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Moses Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Moses Lake?
Moses Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Tiger Trout, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and White Crappie.
What time of year is Moses Lake stocked?
Moses Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Moses Lake stocked?
Moses Lake has been stocked about 4 times a year — 132 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Moses Lake?
About 2,037,877 fish have been stocked in Moses Lake across 132 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Moses 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 Moses Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Moses 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.