Panhandle Lake Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Panhandle Lake was last stocked June 8, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Panhandle Lake has 71 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 35,486 fish stocked over that period.
When Panhandle Lake is stocked
Panhandle Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in June — 32 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Panhandle 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 Panhandle 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 Panhandle Lake was last stocked June 8, 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 Panhandle 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 Panhandle 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 Panhandle Lake, freshest activity first.
Bingham Creek
7 miGrays Harbor County · 2 species · 107 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lost Lake
1 miMason County · 3 species · 223 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nahwatzel Lake
6 miMason County · 2 species · 194 records
Last stocked April 2026
Skokomish River North Fork
10 miMason County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 2026
Island Lake
9 miMason County · 3 species · 172 records
Last stocked April 2026
Isabella Lake
7 miMason County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked October 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 31 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 606 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 123 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 639 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 891 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 808 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 203 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 814 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 51 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 814 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 703 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 71 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Panhandle Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Panhandle Lake was last stocked June 8, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Panhandle Lake?
Panhandle Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Panhandle Lake stocked?
Panhandle Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in June.
How often is Panhandle Lake stocked?
Panhandle Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 71 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Panhandle Lake?
About 35,486 fish have been stocked in Panhandle Lake across 71 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Panhandle 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 Panhandle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Panhandle 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.