Washburn Lake Fish Stocking
Okanogan County, Washington · 1997–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Washburn Lake was last stocked May 18, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Washburn Lake has 55 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2026, with about 45,712 fish stocked over that period.
When Washburn Lake is stocked
Washburn Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Washburn Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Okanogan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Washburn 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 Washburn Lake was last stocked May 18, 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 Washburn 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Washburn 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Washburn Lake, freshest activity first.
Chopaka Lake
7 miOkanogan County · 2 species · 51 records
Last stocked July 2026
Aeneas Lake
12 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 67 records
Last stocked June 2026
Palmer Lake
4 miOkanogan County · 5 species · 294 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spectacle Lake
3 miOkanogan County · 4 species · 256 records
Last stocked May 2026
Conners Lake
7 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2026
Forde Lake
8 miOkanogan County · 3 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2024 | Channel Catfish | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 2021 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2018 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2017 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2016 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2015 | Brook Trout | 140 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2014 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2013 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2012 | Brook Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2012 | Tiger Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2011 | Brook Trout | 550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2009 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2008 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2007 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2006 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2005 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2005 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2004 | Channel Catfish | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2004 | Tiger Trout | 209 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2004 | Tiger Trout | 357 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2004 | Brook Trout | 1,650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 2003 | Channel Catfish | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2003 | Brook Trout | 2,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2002 | Brook Trout | 2,035 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2001 | Tiger Trout | 516 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2001 | Channel Catfish | 889 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2001 | Brook Trout | 2,047 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2000 | Channel Catfish | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2000 | Black Crappie | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2000 | Black Crappie | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2000 | Channel Catfish | 275 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2000 | Brook Trout | 2,046 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 16, 1999 | Black Crappie | 1,043 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 55 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Washburn Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Washburn Lake was last stocked May 18, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Washburn Lake?
Washburn Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Channel Catfish, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Black Crappie.
What time of year is Washburn Lake stocked?
Washburn Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Washburn Lake stocked?
Washburn Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 55 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Washburn Lake?
About 45,712 fish have been stocked in Washburn Lake across 55 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Washburn 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 Washburn Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Washburn 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.