Pass Lake Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pass Lake was last stocked November 6, 2025 with Brown Trout. Pass Lake has 78 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 439,749 fish stocked over that period.
When Pass Lake is stocked
Pass Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 27 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pass Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skagit County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Pass 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 Pass Lake was last stocked November 6, 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 Pass 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Pass 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 Pass Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Campbell
2 miSkagit County · 4 species · 106 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Erie
2 miSkagit County · 2 species · 106 records
Last stocked April 2026
Hummel Lake
14 miSan Juan County · 2 species · 38 records
Last stocked March 2026
Skagit River
13 miSkagit County · 4 species · 68 records
Last stocked January 2026
Samish River
12 miSkagit County · 4 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2025
Whistle Lake
3 miSkagit County · 3 species · 21 records
Last stocked November 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 6, 2025 | Brown Trout | 3,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 7,072 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2024 | Brown Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2023 | Brown Trout | 3,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2022 | Brown Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 7,015 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2021 | Brown Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2020 | Brown Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 339 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 2019 | Brown Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 606 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2018 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2017 | Brown Trout | 1,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2016 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2015 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2014 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2013 | Brown Trout | 5,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2012 | Brown Trout | 5,280 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 5, 2011 | Brown Trout | 5,280 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 39,042 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2010 | Brown Trout | 5,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2009 | Brown Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 168 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2008 | Brown Trout | 4,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 111 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2007 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 232 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2007 | Brown Trout | 2,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 78 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Pass Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pass Lake was last stocked November 6, 2025 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pass Lake?
Pass Lake is stocked with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Pass Lake stocked?
Pass Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Pass Lake stocked?
Pass Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 78 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Pass Lake?
About 439,749 fish have been stocked in Pass Lake across 78 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pass 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 Pass Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pass 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.