Rat Lake Fish Stocking
Okanogan County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Rat Lake was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Rat Lake has 90 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 376,813 fish stocked over that period.
When Rat Lake is stocked
Rat Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 42 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rat Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Okanogan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Rat 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 Rat Lake was last stocked July 1, 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 Rat 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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Rat 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 Rat Lake, freshest activity first.
Green Lake
20 miOkanogan County · 2 species · 56 records
Last stocked July 2026
Patterson Lake
9 miOkanogan County · 6 species · 143 records
Last stocked June 2026
Crawfish Lake
20 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 70 records
Last stocked May 2026
Leader Lake
18 miOkanogan County · 4 species · 113 records
Last stocked September 2025
Omak Creek
14 miOkanogan County · 2 species · 34 records
Last stocked April 2025
Tumwater Creek
10 miClallam County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked March 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 2025 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2024 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2023 | Brown Trout | 1,895 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2023 | Brown Trout | 3,105 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2022 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,265 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2021 | Brown Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2021 | Brown Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2020 | Brown Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2019 | Brown Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,093 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 13,047 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2018 | Brown Trout | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2017 | Brown Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 15,006 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2016 | Brown Trout | 4,898 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2016 | Brown Trout | 1,032 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 90 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Rat Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Rat Lake was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rat Lake?
Rat Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Rat Lake stocked?
Rat Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Rat Lake stocked?
Rat Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 90 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Rat Lake?
About 376,813 fish have been stocked in Rat Lake across 90 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rat 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 Rat Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Rat 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.