Thomas Lake Fish Stocking
Skamania County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Thomas Lake was last stocked July 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Thomas Lake has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 28,781 fish stocked over that period.
When Thomas Lake is stocked
Thomas Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thomas Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skamania County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Thomas 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 Thomas Lake was last stocked July 21, 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 Thomas 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Thomas 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 Thomas Lake, freshest activity first.
Janet Lake
2 miGrant County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Naha
1 miSkamania County · 2 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Rock Lake
1 miSkamania County · 2 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lake Sahalee Tyee
2 miSkamania County · 2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Bear Lake
2 miSkamania County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Brader Lake
0 miSkamania County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2026 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2024 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2021 | Brook Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2019 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2017 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2015 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2013 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2011 | Brook Trout | 997 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2009 | Brook Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2007 | Brook Trout | 514 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2005 | Brook Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2003 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2000 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 995 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1997 | Brook Trout | 939 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1995 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Thomas Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Thomas Lake was last stocked July 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Thomas Lake?
Thomas Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Thomas Lake stocked?
Thomas Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Thomas Lake stocked?
Thomas Lake is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Thomas Lake?
About 28,781 fish have been stocked in Thomas Lake across 31 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thomas 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 Thomas Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Thomas 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.