Wapato Lake Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Wapato Lake was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Wapato Lake has 68 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 356,981 fish stocked over that period.
When Wapato Lake is stocked
Wapato Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wapato Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Wapato 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 Wapato Lake was last stocked May 19, 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 Wapato 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.
Recommended Tackle for Wapato 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 Wapato Lake, freshest activity first.
Chambers Creek
5 miPierce County · 4 species · 459 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clarks Creek
6 miPierce County · 3 species · 91 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swan Creek
4 miPierce County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2026
Steilacoom Lake
4 miPierce County · 3 species · 94 records
Last stocked April 2026
Puyallup River
5 miPierce County · 2 species · 25 records
Last stocked April 2025
Carter Lake
5 miPierce County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 4,065 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 912 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,028 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 247 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,680 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 102,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 110,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,992 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 68 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Wapato Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Wapato Lake was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wapato Lake?
Wapato Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Wapato Lake stocked?
Wapato Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Wapato Lake stocked?
Wapato Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 68 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Wapato Lake?
About 356,981 fish have been stocked in Wapato Lake across 68 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wapato 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 Wapato Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Wapato 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.