Rainbow Lake Fish Stocking
Columbia County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Rainbow Lake was last stocked June 17, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Lake has 375 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 633,431 fish stocked over that period.
When Rainbow Lake is stocked
Rainbow Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 97 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rainbow Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Columbia County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Rainbow 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 Rainbow Lake was last stocked June 17, 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 Rainbow 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.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Rainbow 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 Rainbow Lake, freshest activity first.
Blue Lake
1 miColumbia County · 2 species · 439 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Lake
2 miColumbia County · 2 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Watson Lake
2 miColumbia County · 1 species · 275 records
Last stocked June 2026
Curl Lake
4 miColumbia County · 1 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lewis River North Fork
12 miCowlitz County · 4 species · 1360 records
Last stocked June 2026
Deer Lake
1 miColumbia County · 1 species · 171 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 30, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,518 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 261 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,137 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,508 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,855 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 816 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 375 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Rainbow Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Rainbow Lake was last stocked June 17, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Steelhead.
What time of year is Rainbow Lake stocked?
Rainbow Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Rainbow Lake stocked?
Rainbow Lake has been stocked about 12 times a year — 375 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Rainbow Lake?
About 633,431 fish have been stocked in Rainbow Lake across 375 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rainbow 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 Rainbow Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Rainbow 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.