Source Lake Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1996–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Source Lake was last stocked June 30, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Source Lake has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2024, with about 400 fish stocked over that period.
When Source Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Source 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 Source 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 Source Lake was last stocked June 30, 2024, 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 Source 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Source 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 Source Lake, freshest activity first.
Gravel Lake
4 miKing County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2026
Windy Lake
2 miKing County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lake Caroline
3 miKing County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ridge Lake
4 miKittitas County · 1 species · 25 records
Last stocked August 2025
Divide Lake
4 miKittitas County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2025
Lodge Lake
3 miKing County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Source Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Source Lake was last stocked June 30, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Source Lake?
Source Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Source Lake stocked?
Source Lake is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Source Lake?
About 400 fish have been stocked in Source Lake across 8 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Source 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 Source Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Source 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.