Pillar Lake Fish Stocking
Grant County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pillar Lake was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Pillar Lake has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 89,239 fish stocked over that period.
When Pillar Lake is stocked
Pillar Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pillar 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 Pillar 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 Pillar Lake was last stocked May 5, 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 Pillar 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.
Recommended Tackle for Pillar 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 Pillar Lake, freshest activity first.
Widgeon Lake
1 miGrant County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Goldeneye Lake
2 miGrant County · 1 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 2026
Chukar Lake
2 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Heart Lake
3 miGrant County · 1 species · 42 records
Last stocked April 2026
Windmill Lake
3 miGrant County · 1 species · 55 records
Last stocked April 2026
Canal Lake
3 miGrant County · 1 species · 53 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,021 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,004 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,090 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,573 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,502 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,517 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,536 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,997 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 3, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,995 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,499 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,508 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 5,244 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 6,008 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 5,082 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Pillar Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pillar Lake was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pillar Lake?
Pillar Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Pillar Lake stocked?
Pillar Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Pillar Lake stocked?
Pillar Lake is stocked intermittently — 38 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Pillar Lake?
About 89,239 fish have been stocked in Pillar Lake across 38 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pillar 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 Pillar Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pillar 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.