Ward Lake Fish Stocking
Thurston County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Ward Lake was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Kokanee. Ward Lake has 178 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 1,320,127 fish stocked over that period.
When Ward Lake is stocked
Ward Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 62 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ward Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Thurston County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Ward 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 Ward Lake was last stocked May 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 Ward 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
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 Ward 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Ward Lake, freshest activity first.
Deschutes River
1 miThurston County · 3 species · 352 records
Last stocked May 2026
Trails End Lake
2 miMason County · 2 species · 136 records
Last stocked May 2026
Longs Pond
4 miThurston County · 2 species · 180 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lois Lake
4 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hicks Lake
4 miThurston County · 4 species · 172 records
Last stocked April 2026
Moxlie Creek
2 miThurston County · 2 species · 42 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Kokanee | 30,488 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 565 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 710 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,022 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Kokanee | 30,845 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 8, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 328 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2024 | Kokanee | 40,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,015 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 201 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Kokanee | 30,087 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,017 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2022 | Kokanee | 25,394 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,641 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,024 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2021 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,835 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,835 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 7, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 164 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Kokanee | 30,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2019 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Kokanee | 6,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,575 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 715 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2018 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2018 | Kokanee | 25,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,575 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2017 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,576 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 178 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Ward Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Ward Lake was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Ward Lake?
Ward Lake is stocked with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Ward Lake stocked?
Ward Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Ward Lake stocked?
Ward Lake has been stocked about 6 times a year — 178 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Ward Lake?
About 1,320,127 fish have been stocked in Ward Lake across 178 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ward 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 Ward Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Ward 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.