Upper Wheeler Reservoir Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 2011–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Upper Wheeler Reservoir was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Upper Wheeler Reservoir has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 23,139 fish stocked over that period.
When Upper Wheeler Reservoir is stocked
Upper Wheeler Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Upper Wheeler Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Chelan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Upper Wheeler Reservoir, 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 Upper Wheeler Reservoir was last stocked May 6, 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 Upper Wheeler Reservoir:
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 Upper Wheeler Reservoir
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 Upper Wheeler Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Clara Lake
2 miMason County · 2 species · 100 records
Last stocked May 2026
Naneum Pond
9 miKittitas County · 2 species · 99 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wenatchee River
12 miChelan County · 4 species · 533 records
Last stocked April 2026
Beehive Reservoir
3 miChelan County · 4 species · 201 records
Last stocked April 2026
Clear Lake
3 miChelan County · 5 species · 125 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lily Lake
3 miChelan County · 3 species · 127 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2026 | Brook Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Brook Trout | 1,508 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2024 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2022 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2020 | Brook Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2019 | Brook Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2018 | Brook Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,213 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 766 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2015 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,452 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Upper Wheeler Reservoir last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Upper Wheeler Reservoir was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Upper Wheeler Reservoir?
Upper Wheeler Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Upper Wheeler Reservoir stocked?
Upper Wheeler Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Upper Wheeler Reservoir stocked?
Upper Wheeler Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 23 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Upper Wheeler Reservoir?
About 23,139 fish have been stocked in Upper Wheeler Reservoir across 23 recorded events since 2011, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Upper Wheeler Reservoir?
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 Upper Wheeler Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Upper Wheeler Reservoir 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.