Beautiful weather greeted thousands of anglers on Saturday’s statewide trout fishing opener
It can be said that the opening day for trout fishing across Washington usually equates to April showers but not this time around.
After a brief cool down in the morning, sunny and warm weather outshined the odds for those who tried their fishing luck at hundreds of statewide lakes.
Smiling faces. Excitement. Stringers of trout. Trout Derby fish reeled in. Sunglasses and short-sleeved shirts instead of rain gear and warm clothes. Yard work and house cleaning put on pause. Fishing stories that’ll last a lifetime.
Those were just some of the observations reported or conversations heard by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) surveyors during Saturday’s opening day.
“We had another great lowland lake opener,” said Steve Caromile, the WDFW inland fish manager. “The weather was beautiful across most of the state and there were happy anglers too. High winds early on in Eastern Washington led people to come out later and missing a lot of the morning bite. Many regions of the state also dealt with cool early morning temperatures and a slow early bite, but once it warmed up a little, the bite improved.”
“Overall, it seemed like catch rates were pretty good, and there were a lot of happy people out spending time with their friends and family,” Caromile said. “As an added bonus to the great weather, I’m hearing plenty of reports of tagged Trout Derby fish being caught.”
Caromile summed it up with preliminary opening day data showing the statewide effort was lower than 2025 with an estimated 127,909 anglers (183,303 in 2025 and 142,988 in 2024) along with a catch of 466,649 trout caught (747,745 in 2025 and 521,248 in 2024) and 298,649 kept (428,116 in 2025 and 365,780 in 2024). Anglers spent more time on the water in 2026–3.3 hours compared to 2.2 hours in 2025.
The 2026 statewide overall average was 3.6 per angler caught and/or released (2.1 in 2025 and 2024) and the trout kept average was 1.9 per angler (2.3 in 2025 and 2.1 in 2024) at the 67 lakes surveyed by WDFW staff.
On opening day, catch samplers at some lakes reported several larger “carryover” rainbow trout mixed into the catches.
In the Puget Sound region, WDFW samplers indicated decent catch rates, and rare, nice weather for anglers who ventured out to lakes.
Of the 14 total lakes surveyed in the North Puget Sound region an estimated 309 angler were checked (629 anglers counted at 8 a.m. and 742 anglers counted at 12 p.m.) with 787 trout kept and 1,080 trout released.
WDFW stocked a good number of trout in the Puget Sound region, and fishing should remain decent for a while especially at bigger lakes that have deeper holes.
East of the Cascade Mountains, around the greater Spokane region and north central Washington the weather conditions were equally impressive and generally fishing was good.
“It was a gorgeous day in Eastern Washington and most anglers interviewed were happy,” said Randy Osborne, a WDFW regional biologist. “The top two lakes were Spokane County’s Williams Lake (4.2 fish caught per angler) with 2.7 fish kept per angler, and Clear Lake (5.9 fish caught per angler) with 2.9 fish kept per angler.”
More spring-like weather is expected to arrive later next week, and fishing success should continue to build heading into May and carrying on through early summer. So, if you slept in or couldn’t get out this weekend, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a day on the water!
WDFW Trout Derby sees good number of prizes claimed on opener
The highly popular WDFW Trout Derby got underway on opening day and continues through Oct. 31 with more than 100 stocked statewide lakes.
“It has been very popular over the past 11 years,” Caromile said. “The generosity of our license vendors and donors is what makes the trout derby a huge success, and something many anglers look forward to.”
This season, each of the prize-winning trout can be identified by a green tag inserted near the dorsal fin. Refer to this WDFW webpage, to see statewide lakes that contain tagged trout.
More than 60 statewide businesses are offering an estimated 900 prizes valued around $43,000. The number of tags turned in during the 2025 season was 59%. Through Monday, April 27, 137 derby prizes had been claimed.
The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2026–2027 fishing license (children under 15 fish for free), and a temporary license may be used. No entry fee or registration is required.
If you’re lucky to catch a tagged trout simply refer to the WDFW Trout Derby webpage, enter your tag number and find out what you have won and how to claim your prize.
Anglers can also participate in the WDFW photo contest during the first week of the Trout Derby on Instagram by using the hashtag #watroutderby.
Trout by the numbers
In 2026, the expected stocking plan calls for more than 2.1 million standardized catchable size trout is 11 to 13 inches, or average 2.5 fish/pound.
Anglers should also find around 157,000 larger size “jumbo” trout measuring 14 inches or longer. Most of the jumbos were planted in March and April and other trout are saved for fall planting.
Add to it an estimated 1.6 million-plus trout categorized as “put, grow, and take” — reared in hatcheries and 2.6 to 10 fish per pound in size — that were stocked in 2025, should now measure 8- to 12-inches.
An estimated 11.5 million fingerling and fry trout and kokanee planted one or two years ago will be in the catchable size for the 2026 fisheries. Most fry are stocked into Eastern Washington opening day lakes and are managed to create decent fry survival.
WDFW will continue to do additional trout stocking in the weeks ahead and should boost fishing opportunities throughout spring and early summer. Refer to the 2026 WDFW stocking plan webpage for more information.
When heading to a lake, please be respectful of fellow anglers and other recreationists, obey posted signage at all water access areas and follow parking regulations and have a backup plan in case your preferred destination is overcrowded.
You cand find helpful fishing tips on where to go and how to catch trout by going to the WDFW blog. For other excellent fishing resources to get additional tips on lowland lakes, go to WDFW places to go fishing webpage and the WDFW Life Outdoors Report.
There are thousands of lakes, ponds and reservoirs across Washington, and hundreds of WDFW-managed water-access areas, including some with areas accessible for people with disabilities. Details on water-access areas can be found on WDFW’s water access area website.
Now that spring has arrived, Washingtonians are reminded that a new fishing season is underway. A 2026–2027 fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older and available online or from hundreds of license vendors across the state. A new licensing functionality is now available on the mobile app platforms on MyWDFW and Fish Washington® webpages. The 2025–2026 licenses expired on March 31. For details and to learn more about the new licensing app system, go to the WDFW’s licensing webpage.
Licenses may also be purchased by visiting any of the more than 600 license dealers around the state. When buying online or by phone, it may take seven to 10 days before receiving your license in the mail.
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 parking and access passes webpage.
Before heading out, anglers should check WDFW’s fishing regulations webpage for permanent regulations and emergency rules webpage for rule updates affecting fisheries.
Statewide opening day results
Chelan County — Wapato Lake, 59 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 235 anglers and 88 at 12 p.m.) with 143 trout kept for 2.42 kept per angler.
Douglas County — Jameson Lake, 28 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 175 anglers and 150 at 12 p.m.) with 80 trout kept for 2.86 kept per angler.
Grant County — Blue Lake, 17 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 90 anglers and 160 at 12 p.m.) with 41 trout kept for 2.41 kept per angler. Park Lake, 19 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 117 anglers and 166 at 12 p.m.) with 68 trout kept and two released for 3.58 kept per angler. Deep Lake, 51 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 61 anglers and 81 at 12 p.m.) with129 trout kept and 39 released for 2.53 kept per angler. Warden Lake, 40 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 65 anglers and 47 at 12 p.m.) with 136 trout kept and 111 released for 3.40 kept per angler.
Grays Harbor County — Failor Lake, 43 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 114 anglers and 56 at 12 p.m.) with 101 trout kept and 82 released for 2.35 kept per angler. Lake Inez, 13 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 37 anglers and 35 at 12 p.m.) with 14 trout kept and one released for 1.08 kept per angler. Bowers Lake, 30 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 29 anglers and 21 at 12 p.m.) with 36 trout kept for 1.20 kept per angler. Lake Sylvia, 20 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 21 anglers and 36 at 12 p.m.) with 11 trout kept and 12 released for 0.55 kept per angler. Lake Aberdeen, 127 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 166 anglers and 92 at 12 p.m.) with 223 trout kept and 202 released for 1.76 kept per angler.
Jefferson County — Tarboo Lake, 34 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 19 anglers and 10 at 12 p.m.) with 41 trout kept and six released for 1.21 kept per angler.
King County — Geneva Lake, 22 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 12 anglers and 37 at 12 p.m.) with 52 kept trout and 149 released for 2.36 kept per angler. Cottage Lake, 45 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 67 anglers and 57 at 12 p.m.) with 82 kept trout and 97 released for 1.82 kept per angler. Margaret Lake, 17 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 11 anglers and 22 at 12 p.m.) with 41 trout kept and 91 released for 2.41 kept per angler. Walker Lake, nine anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was eight anglers and 13 at 12 p.m.) with nine trout kept and 22 released for 1.00 kept per angler. Wilderness Lake, 36 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 223 anglers and 258 at 12 p.m.) with 68 trout kept and 173 released for 1.89 kept per angler.
Kitsap County — Wildcat Lake, 33 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 42 anglers and 29 at 12 p.m.) with 71 trout kept and 50 released for 2.15 kept per angler. Panther Lake, 14 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 24 anglers and 15 at 12 p.m.) with 35 trout kept and 48 released for 2.50 kept per angler. Tiger Lake, 30 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 36 anglers and 33 at 12 p.m.) with 64 trout kept and 22 released for 2.13 kept per angler. Mission Lake, 12 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 13 anglers and 21 at 12 p.m.) with 35 trout kept and 28 released for 2.92 kept per angler. Horseshoe Lake, nine anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 14 anglers and 14 at 12 p.m.) with 14 trout kept and 11 released for 1.56 kept per angler.
Klickitat County — Rowland Lake, 30 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 64 anglers and 41 at 12 p.m.) with 91 trout kept and 138 released for 3.03 kept per angler. Horsethief Lake, 26 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 42 anglers and 24 at 12 p.m.) with 41 trout kept and 79 released for 1.58 kept per angler. Spearfish Lake, 35 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 39 anglers and 40 at 12 p.m.) with 32 trout kept (included a 23.5-inch trout) and 60 released for 0.91 kept per angler.
Lewis County — Mineral Lake, 67 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 362 anglers and 316 at 12 p.m.) with 74 trout kept (included a 25.0-inch rainbow trout) and 101 released for 1.10 kept per angler.
Lincoln/Spokane County — Fishtrap Lake, 12 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 38 anglers and 33 at 12 p.m.) with 27 trout kept and five released for 2.25 kept per angler.
Mason County — Benson Lake, 17 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 23 anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with 58 trout kept and eight released for 3.41 kept per angler. Devereaux Lake, 34 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 60 anglers and 43 at 12 p.m.) with 99 trout kept and 19 released for 2.91 kept per angler. Wooten Lake, nine anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was four anglers and nine at 12 p.m.) with 18 trout kept and 23 released for 2.00 kept per angler.
Okanogan County — Alta Lake, 17 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 104 anglers and 53 at 12 p.m.) with 42 trout kept for 2.47 kept per angler. Pearrygin Lake, 24 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 80 anglers and 94 at 12 p.m.) with 25 trout kept and three released for 1.04 kept per angler.
Pacific County — Black Lake, 89 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 123 anglers and 39 at 12 p.m.) with 140 trout kept and 29 released for 1.57 kept per angler. Cases Pond, 14 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 15 angler and six at 12 p.m.) with 26 trout kept for 1.86 kept per angler. Snag Lake, seven anglers (count at 8 a.m. was seven anglers and six at 12 p.m.) with 11 trout kept and 55 released for 1.57 kept per angler. South Bend Mill Pond, two anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was one angler and two at 12 p.m.) with four trout kept for 2.00 kept per angler. Western Lake, 11 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was two anglers and 11 at 12 p.m.) with 16 trout kept and 32 released for 1.45 kept per angler.
Pierce County — Clear Lake, 63 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 117 anglers and 47 at 12 p.m.) with 208 trout kept and 42 released for 3.30 kept per angler. Crescent Lake, eight anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was five anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with six trout kept and five released for 0.75 kept per angler. Rapjohn Lake, 14 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 11 anglers and 16 at 12 p.m.) with 17 trout kept and 15 released for 1.21 kept per angler. Silver Lake, 20 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 97 anglers and 73 at 12 p.m.) with six trout kept and one released for 0.30 kept per angler. Tanwax Lake, 20 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 33 anglers and 34 at 12 p.m.) with 12 trout kept and four released for 0.60 kept per angler.
Pend Oreille County — Diamond Lake, 10 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was eight anglers and 13 at 12 p.m.) with no trout kept and six released for 0.00 kept per angler.
San Juan Island County — Cascade Lake, seven anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 39 anglers and 39 at 12 p.m.) with 31 trout kept for 4.43 kept per angler.
Skagit County — Heart Lake, 39 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 50 anglers and 73 at 12 p.m.) with 177 kept trout and 39 released for 4.54 kept per angler.
Snohomish County — Bosworth Lake, 19 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 28 anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with 31 kept trout and 60 released for 1.63 kept per angler. Echo-Maltby Lake, nine anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 18 anglers and 25 at 12 p.m.) with 24 trout kept for 2.67 kept per angler. Martha Lake Alderwood Manor, 25 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 42 anglers and 43 at 12 p.m.) with 102 kept trout and 135 released for 4.08 kept per angler. Wagner Lake, nine anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 25 anglers and 14 at 12 p.m.) with 20 kept trout and 12 released for 2.22 kept per angler.
Spokane County — Badger Lake, 11 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 30 anglers and 64 at 12 p.m.) with one trout kept and 14 released for 0.09 kept per angler. Clear Lake, 38 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 121 anglers and 84 at 12 p.m.) with 102 trout kept and 121 released for 2.68 kept per angler. West Medical Lake, 79 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 55 anglers and 25 at 12 p.m.) with five trout kept and one released for 0.06 kept per angler. Williams Lake, 34 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 149 anglers and 160 at 12 p.m.) with 92 trout kept and 52 released for 2.71 kept per angler.
Stevens County — Cedar Lake, 14 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was four anglers and 15 at 12 p.m.) with 10 trout kept and 22 released for 0.71 kept per angler. Mudgett Lake, eight anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 20 anglers and four at 12 p.m.) with 12 trout kept and three released for 1.50 kept per angler. Rocky Lake, 13 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was six anglers and two at 12 p.m.) with 14 trout kept and 16 released for 1.08 kept per angler. Starvation Lake, 25 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 19 anglers and 18 at 12 p.m.) with 117 trout kept and six released for 4.68 kept per angler. Waitts Lake, 12 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 15 anglers and 41 at 12 p.m.) with no trout kept and 53 released for 0.00 kept per angler.
Thurston County — Deep Lake, 28 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 12 anglers and 19 at 12 p.m.) with 45 trout kept and 59 released for 1.61 kept per angler. Hicks Lake, 25 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 40 anglers and 24 at 12 p.m.) with 25 trout kept or six released for 1.00 kept per angler. McIntosh Lake, 26 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 20 anglers and eight at 12 p.m.) with three trout kept and 25 released for 0.12 kept per angler. Summit Lake, 16 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 35 anglers and 50 at 12 p.m.) with 49 trout kept and 14 released for 3.06 kept per angler. Ward Lake, 11 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was seven anglers and six at 12 p.m.) with five trout kept for 0.45 kept per angler.
Whatcom County — Cain Lake, 21 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 24 anglers and 17 at 12 p.m.) with 58 kept trout and 64 released for 2.76 kept per angler. Padden Lake, 25 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 57 anglers and 100 at 12 p.m.) with 38 kept trout and 116 released for 1.52 kept per angler. Toad Lake, 26 anglers were checked (count at 8 a.m. was 25 anglers and 24 at 12 p.m.) with 54 kept trout and 122 released for 2.08 kept per angler.
