The waiting is over for anglers in Washington state as the lowland lake fishing season officially opens on Saturday, April 26th. This marks the beginning of an exciting 10-month period filled with fishing opportunities and challenges. To capitalize on these opportunities, it is essential to understand the key aspects of the season.
Trout Stocking
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is expecting thousands of anglers to hit the lakes across the state. This is made possible by the strategic stocking of trout. According to the WDFW, more than 14.5 million trout will be released into the lakes and rivers this year, including:
- 2.14 million catchable-size trout, averaging 11 to 13 inches.
- More than 150,000 jumbo trout measuring 14 inches or more and weighing one to 1.5 pounds.
- 1.6 million “put, grow, and take” trout reared in hatcheries in 2024. These trout, initially stocked at a smaller size, are allowed to grow in lakes before becoming available to anglers once they reach 8 to 12 inches.
- More than 10.6 million fingerling and fry trout and kokanee planted two years ago, primarily in Eastern Washington.
These trout will be stocked in various lakes across the state, providing anglers with a range of fishing opportunities. Some of the participating lakes include:
- Alta Lake
- Beehive Reservoir
- Conconully Lake and Conconully Reservoir
- Corral Lake
- Deep Lake
- Jameson Lake
- Pearrygin Lake
- Spectacle Lake
- Wannacut Lake
- Wapato Lake
- Warden Lake
The 10th Annual Trout Derby
In addition to the fishing opportunities, the WDFW is also hosting the 10th Annual Trout Derby. This event runs from April 26 to October 31 and offers a range of prizes, including:
| Prizes | Valued at over $54,000 | ||||||
| Gift cards | Seattle Mariners tickets | Guided lake fishing trips | Handheld GPS units | Resort stays | Rounds of golf | Local aquarium admission | A kayak |
Anglers can compete for these prizes by catching and tagging one of the 1,100 prize-winning trout. The tagged trout will have an orange tag near the dorsal fin, making it easy to identify them.
Getting Your License
To participate in the lowland lake fishing season and the Trout Derby, anglers must have a valid fishing license. The WDFW offers a range of licenses, including:
- 2025 Get Outdoors package
- Annual freshwater license
- Annual Fish WA license
- Annual combination license
- Temporary combination license
It’s worth noting that one- to three-day temporary combination licenses are not valid for the first eight days of the lowland opener, except for active-duty military personnel serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces. Anglers can purchase their license online, by telephone at 360-902-2464, or at license dealers statewide.
Conclusion
The lowland lake fishing season in Washington state offers a unique and exciting opportunity for anglers to enjoy the great outdoors. With the strategic stocking of trout and the 10th Annual Trout Derby, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, make sure to get your license and take advantage of the many fishing opportunities available.
