Sprague Lake Fish Stocking
Adams County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sprague Lake was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Sprague Lake has 256 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 8,967,806 fish stocked over that period.
When Sprague Lake is stocked
Sprague Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 69 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sprague Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Adams County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sprague 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 Sprague Lake was last stocked May 27, 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 Sprague 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Sprague 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Sprague Lake, freshest activity first.
Williams Lake
18 miSpokane County · 3 species · 235 records
Last stocked May 2026
Amber Lake
18 miSpokane County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked May 2026
Badger Lake
21 miSpokane County · 3 species · 157 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rock Lake
19 miWhitman County · 3 species · 433 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clear Lake
14 miSpokane County · 4 species · 466 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fishtrap Lake
13 miLincoln County · 2 species · 173 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 74,928 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2026 | Channel Catfish | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 79,665 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,832 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 12,168 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2025 | Channel Catfish | 3,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 64,625 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 74,948 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,410 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 93,930 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,129 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,377 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 78,278 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,454 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 56,672 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 43,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 59,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 84,780 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,330 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 124,848 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 46,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 7,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 12,566 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,743 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 98,952 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 144,921 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 38,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 100,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 11,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 146,222 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 46,509 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 100,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 137,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 18,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,760 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,331 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 6,370 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 46,656 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 146,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 70,082 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 85,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 256 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Sprague Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sprague Lake was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sprague Lake?
Sprague Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye.
What time of year is Sprague Lake stocked?
Sprague Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Sprague Lake stocked?
Sprague Lake has been stocked about 8 times a year — 256 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Sprague Lake?
About 8,967,806 fish have been stocked in Sprague Lake across 256 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sprague 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 Sprague Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Sprague 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.