Saddle Lake Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1997–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Saddle Lake was last stocked August 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Saddle Lake has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2025, with about 1,950 fish stocked over that period.
When Saddle Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Saddle Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Saddle 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 Saddle Lake was last stocked August 18, 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 Saddle 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 Saddle 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Saddle Lake, freshest activity first.
Riley Lake
10 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked April 2026
Bear Lake
8 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked October 2022
Pinnacle Lake
9 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 10 records
Last stocked October 2019
Kelcema Lake
8 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2018
Summit Lake
9 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 2016
Myrtle Lake
10 miSkagit County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2015
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Saddle Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Saddle Lake was last stocked August 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Saddle Lake?
Saddle Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Saddle Lake stocked?
Saddle Lake is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Saddle Lake?
About 1,950 fish have been stocked in Saddle Lake across 8 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Saddle 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 Saddle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Saddle 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.