Wenas Lake Fish Stocking
Yakima County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Wenas Lake was last stocked May 4, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Wenas Lake has 147 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 662,741 fish stocked over that period.
When Wenas Lake is stocked
Wenas Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wenas Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Yakima County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Wenas 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 Wenas Lake was last stocked May 4, 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 Wenas 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.
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 Wenas 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 Wenas Lake, freshest activity first.
Sandstone Lake
4 miYakima County · 1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2026
Manastash Lake
18 miKittitas County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rotary Lake
15 miYakima County · 6 species · 284 records
Last stocked May 2026
Myron Lake
15 miYakima County · 3 species · 201 records
Last stocked March 2026
Bear Lake
17 miYakima County · 2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Reecer Creek
13 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 10,540 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 7,280 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,318 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 7,905 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5,320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 5,208 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5,520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,415 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,830 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 6,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,064 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2006 | Brown Trout | 3,175 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,075 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 7,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 603 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,108 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,899 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 7, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,129 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 7, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 990 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2005 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,108 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,519 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 7,068 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Brown Trout | 16,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 963 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 611 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,710 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2004 | Brown Trout | 4,975 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,102 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2004 | Brown Trout | 16,027 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,518 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 7,098 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,286 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,403 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,098 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 29, 2003 | Channel Catfish | 375 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,960 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2003 | Brown Trout | 3,772 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2003 | Brown Trout | 3,337 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 147 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Wenas Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Wenas Lake was last stocked May 4, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wenas Lake?
Wenas Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Channel Catfish.
What time of year is Wenas Lake stocked?
Wenas Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Wenas Lake stocked?
Wenas Lake has been stocked about 5 times a year — 147 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Wenas Lake?
About 662,741 fish have been stocked in Wenas Lake across 147 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wenas 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 Wenas Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Wenas 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.