Riffe Lake Fish Stocking
Lewis County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Riffe Lake was last stocked June 2, 2026 with Steelhead. Riffe Lake has 227 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 17,430,172 fish stocked over that period.
When Riffe Lake is stocked
Riffe Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in September — 46 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Riffe Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Lewis County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Riffe 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 Riffe Lake was last stocked June 2, 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 Riffe 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Riffe 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Riffe Lake, freshest activity first.
Swofford Pond
5 miLewis County · 8 species · 191 records
Last stocked May 2026
Connelly Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 28 records
Last stocked March 2026
Island Lake
11 miSkamania County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2024
Lake Scanewa
10 miLewis County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2023
Davis Lake
5 miLewis County · 1 species · 25 records
Last stocked April 2019
Cispus River
10 mi3 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2026 | Steelhead | 49,076 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Steelhead | 49,076 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 27, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 508,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 6, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 410,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 20, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,516 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2025 | Steelhead | 7,663 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,863 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Steelhead | 60,036 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2025 | Steelhead | 44,988 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 15,594 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 31, 2025 | Steelhead | 26,627 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 16,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 19, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 16,423 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Steelhead | 44,457 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,981 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2024 | Steelhead | 23,165 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 133,736 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 137,365 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 40,059 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 14, 2024 | Steelhead | 4,114 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,239 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2023 | Steelhead | 25,848 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 52,876 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2023 | Steelhead | 32,515 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 69,728 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 13,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2023 | Steelhead | 8,036 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 4,476 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 14,899 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 16, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 59,985 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 2022 | Steelhead | 4,682 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 130,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 7,384 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,590 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2022 | Steelhead | 36,441 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2022 | Steelhead | 27,922 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 159,478 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 20, 2022 | Steelhead | 10,278 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 20, 2022 | Steelhead | 28,205 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 56,802 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,453 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 78,772 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2021 | Steelhead | 21,442 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2021 | Steelhead | 4,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,874 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2020 | Steelhead | 30,696 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,591 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 655 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 227 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Riffe Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Riffe Lake was last stocked June 2, 2026 with Steelhead.
What fish species are stocked in Riffe Lake?
Riffe Lake is stocked with Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Riffe Lake stocked?
Riffe Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in September.
How often is Riffe Lake stocked?
Riffe Lake has been stocked about 7 times a year — 227 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Riffe Lake?
About 17,430,172 fish have been stocked in Riffe Lake across 227 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Riffe 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 Riffe Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Riffe 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.