Nahwatzel Lake Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Nahwatzel Lake was last stocked April 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Nahwatzel Lake has 194 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 391,315 fish stocked over that period.
When Nahwatzel Lake is stocked
Nahwatzel Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 55 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nahwatzel Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Mason County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Nahwatzel 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 Nahwatzel Lake was last stocked April 28, 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 Nahwatzel 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 Nahwatzel 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 Nahwatzel Lake, freshest activity first.
Panhandle Lake
6 miMason County · 2 species · 71 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bingham Creek
8 miGrays Harbor County · 2 species · 107 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lost Lake
7 miMason County · 3 species · 223 records
Last stocked May 2026
Skokomish River North Fork
7 miMason County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 2026
Island Lake
10 miMason County · 3 species · 172 records
Last stocked April 2026
Skokomish River
12 miMason County · 4 species · 84 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,361 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 95 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,540 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,852 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 325 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 325 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,194 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,456 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 205 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,085 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 462 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,902 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 370 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 325 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,397 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,995 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 405 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 5,369 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 194 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Nahwatzel Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Nahwatzel Lake was last stocked April 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Nahwatzel Lake?
Nahwatzel Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Nahwatzel Lake stocked?
Nahwatzel Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Nahwatzel Lake stocked?
Nahwatzel Lake has been stocked about 6 times a year — 194 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Nahwatzel Lake?
About 391,315 fish have been stocked in Nahwatzel Lake across 194 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nahwatzel 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 Nahwatzel Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Nahwatzel 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.