Shadow Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Shadow Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Shadow Lake has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 154,062 fish stocked over that period.
When Shadow Lake is stocked
Shadow Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shadow Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in King County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Shadow 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 Shadow Lake was last stocked May 15, 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 Shadow 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 Shadow 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 Shadow Lake, freshest activity first.
Grass Lake
5 miMason County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Sawyer
5 miKing County · 4 species · 102 records
Last stocked May 2026
Spring Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Meridian
4 miKing County · 2 species · 164 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wilderness Lake
3 miKing County · 3 species · 101 records
Last stocked April 2026
Shady Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 34 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,301 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 4,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 4,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 4,326 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 4,508 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 4,557 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,436 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,093 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2015 | Steelhead | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 18, 2014 | Steelhead | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 2014 | Steelhead | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2014 | Steelhead | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2014 | Steelhead | 1,980 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 4,115 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 4,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 3,778 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,302 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 986 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Shadow Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Shadow Lake was last stocked May 15, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shadow Lake?
Shadow Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Steelhead.
What time of year is Shadow Lake stocked?
Shadow Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Shadow Lake stocked?
Shadow Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 45 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Shadow Lake?
About 154,062 fish have been stocked in Shadow Lake across 45 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shadow 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 Shadow Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Shadow 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.