Tom Lake Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1996–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Tom Lake was last stocked October 15, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Tom Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2025, with about 540 fish stocked over that period.
When Tom Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tom 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 Tom 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 Tom Lake was last stocked October 15, 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 Tom 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.
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 Tom 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 Tom Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake George
12 miPierce County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2024
Hidden Lake
13 miPierce County · 2 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2022
Summit Lake
5 miPierce County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 2021
Lake West
11 miPierce County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2016
Sunset Lake
12 miPierce County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 2013
Red Creek
14 miSkagit County · 2 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 15, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 35 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 85 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 1996 | Brook Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Tom Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Tom Lake was last stocked October 15, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tom Lake?
Tom Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Tom Lake stocked?
Tom Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Tom Lake?
About 540 fish have been stocked in Tom Lake across 9 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tom 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 Tom Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Tom 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.