WDFW Trout Derby continues in October, more lakes stocked with fish
With the arrival of fall and as water temperatures gradually cool, the chances of catching a stringer of trout or other fish species improves as they become more active
Early autumn is a good time to go trout fishing for many reasons.
It’s a time when trout become active as water temperatures cool down. It’s a time when fishing improves, and you’ll likely find ample elbow room to cast your luck at catching a fish. It’s also a time when Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) hatchery staff fire up their trucks to stock statewide lakes with thousands of trout.
“Fall came quickly this year and fishing opportunities are in full swing,” said Steve Caromile, the WDFW Inland Fish Program Manager. “Also, if you’re planning on getting out after work or on the weekend, remember that our statewide trout derby is ongoing through Oct. 31. There are still hundreds of prizes out there in lakes still left to claim.”
The WDFW Trout Derby — which began in late-April — features more than 100 lakes planted with trout and more than 800 prizes donated from participating businesses totaling about $40,000. Anglers can claim by catching tagged trout in lakes across Washington. The derby, held for the past eight years, has generated harvest of 55 to 60 percent of the tagged fish.
All the trout have a blue tag attached to their dorsal fin. To help boost catching tagged trout, WDFW has a list of all the lakes in real-time where prizes are left to be claimed.
While most trout plants occurred this past spring, fish that didn’t get caught have grown larger in size.
Seasonal lakes across the state remain open for trout fishing through Oct. 31, while others are open year-round to provide anglers with additional fishing opportunities.
Statewide lakes being planted with trout in September/October include:
· Adams County — Cow, 5,000
· Chelan County — Antilon, 5,000
· Columbia County — Blue, 2,000 trout; and Spring, 2,000
· Grant County — Canal, 5,500; Corral, 6,000; Deep, 10,000; Heart, 1,500; Lenice, 3,000; Nunnally, 3,000; Martha, 500; and Upper Caliche, 500
· Jefferson County — Gibbs, 350; Leland, 3,200; and Teal, 150
· Kitsap County — Island, 800; Kitsap, 4,760; and Wye, 800
· Mason County — Island, 2,100; Kokanee, 2,400; Lost, 2,400; Nahwatzel, 5,000; Spencer, 4,400
· Pacific County — Cases, 1,000; Black, 2,000; Snag, 200; and Western (Radar Hill Pond), 200
· Pierce County — Bonney, 350; Bradley, 400; Harts, 550; and Kapowsin, 650
· Thurston County — St. Clair, 700; Long’s Pond, 200; and Munn, 275
· Walla Walla County — Hood Park Pond, 2,500
· Whitman County — Rock, 27,000
The 2023 trout stocking plan shows more than 15.2 million trout are being stocked in statewide lakes. Of those more than 2.1 million are catchable-size trout averaging 10 to 12 inches, and over 145,000 “jumbo” trout measuring 14 or more inches long and averaging 1 to 1.5 pounds. Go to the WDFW website to track statewide trout plants.
There are more than 7,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs in Washington, and hundreds of WDFW-managed water-access areas, including some with areas accessible for people with disabilities. Other state and federal agencies operate hundreds more. Details on water-access areas can be found on WDFW’s website.
Anglers parking at WDFW vehicle water-access areas are required to display the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass — provided when you buy eligible annual fishing licenses — or a Discover Pass. Anglers visiting Washington State Parks or Department of Natural Resources lands need a Discover Pass. Information on parking passes can be found at WDFW’s website.
“Another great fall angling opportunity are panfish, especially for yellow perch, crappie, and walleye,” Caromile said. “This time of year, these fish are starting to show up in larger schools in many of our lowland lakes or other bodies of water. Check the WDFW website for lakes to catch these species and for videos on how to catch them.”
Helpful basic trout fishing tips can be found on the WDFW Medium blog. Before venturing to a lake, check the sport fishing regulations on the WDFW website.
