Waitts Lake Fish Stocking
Stevens County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Waitts Lake was last stocked March 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Waitts Lake has 234 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 2,357,874 fish stocked over that period.
When Waitts Lake is stocked
Waitts Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 82 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Waitts Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Stevens County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Waitts 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 Waitts Lake was last stocked March 10, 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 Waitts 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Waitts 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 Waitts Lake, freshest activity first.
Spring Creek
21 miKlickitat County · 1 species · 29 records
Last stocked July 2026
Loon Lake
12 miStevens County · 5 species · 162 records
Last stocked June 2026
Deer Lake
11 miStevens County · 5 species · 305 records
Last stocked May 2026
Phillips Lake
17 miStevens County · 1 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mcdowell Lake
20 miStevens County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bayley Lake
17 miStevens County · 2 species · 31 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 10, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 17, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 19, 2025 | Brown Trout | 365 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2025 | Brown Trout | 6,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,494 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,286 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,220 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 19, 2024 | Brown Trout | 702 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 6,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2024 | Brown Trout | 24,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,880 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 17, 2023 | Brown Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 29,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2023 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2023 | Brown Trout | 23,960 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 12,004 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 29,631 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2022 | Brown Trout | 402 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2022 | Brown Trout | 298 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2022 | Brown Trout | 2,645 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2022 | Brown Trout | 13,613 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2022 | Brown Trout | 24,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 14,874 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 976 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 29,825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2021 | Brown Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2021 | Brown Trout | 15,017 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2021 | Brown Trout | 24,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 29,795 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 116 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,905 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2020 | Brown Trout | 12,012 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2020 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2020 | Brown Trout | 24,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 17,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 2019 | Brown Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 2019 | Brown Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2019 | Brown Trout | 15,698 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 123 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2019 | Brown Trout | 24,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 17,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 234 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Waitts Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Waitts Lake was last stocked March 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Waitts Lake?
Waitts Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Tiger Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Waitts Lake stocked?
Waitts Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Waitts Lake stocked?
Waitts Lake has been stocked about 7 times a year — 234 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Waitts Lake?
About 2,357,874 fish have been stocked in Waitts Lake across 234 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Waitts 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 Waitts Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Waitts 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.