Not your typical start to the statewide opening day of trout fishing with plenty of fun in the sun
It was a rather untypical opening day for trout fishing across Washington.
Anglers who ventured out found mostly sunny skies, relatively calm winds, much warmer than normal temperatures, and not an inkling of April showers. Rain gear and the majority of warm clothing were either stowed away in the boat or left at home, and sunglasses and short-sleeved shirts were the essential gear.
Those were just some of the observations reported by many anglers and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists and surveyors during Saturday’s opening day of trout fishing across hundreds of lakes.
While the weather was out of the ordinary, opening day itself was a very typical scenario with Kodak moments (defined as memorable photos for Gen Z/Gen Alpha anglers), enthusiasm galore, heartfelt fish tales filling the air, but most of all happy faces of anglers young and old reeling in trout.
“In the grand scheme of things, I think it was a pretty decent opener statewide, and we had gorgeous weather with a lot of happy anglers,” said Steve Caromile, the WDFW inland fish manager. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and weather wise it was one of the better openers. In the past, we’ve even had snow, and plenty of rain so to have a day like today (April 26) was really special.”
Caromile summed it up with preliminary opening day data showing the statewide effort at 183,303 anglers (142,988 in 2024) along with a higher catch of 747,745 trout caught (521,248 in 2024) and 428,116 kept (365,780 in 2024). The 2025 statewide trout caught and released average was 3.9 per angler and trout kept was 2.3 per angler in 73 lakes.
In the North Puget Sound region, WDFW surveyors indicated decent catch rates, and rare, nice weather for anglers who ventured out to lakes.
“I’ve been out on opening day for 15 years, and there was only three days that I can remember that were this nice,” said Justin Spinelli, a WDFW regional biologist. “Not only was it sunny and calm but one of the warmest days that I can recall. The last couple of years it had been cold and wet on opening day. In the lakes we surveyed, the harvest rates exceeded our goals.”
Of the 19 total lakes surveyed in the North Puget Sound region an estimated 13,254 anglers fished with a total catch of 73,588 trout and of those 36,000 were kept.
More spring-like weather is expected to arrive later in the week, and fishing success should continue to build heading into May and carrying on through early summer.
“I’d encourage folks to get out there on lakes in the months ahead,” Spinelli said. “Around Puget Sound we’ve stocked a good number of trout, so it should stay decent for a while especially at bigger lakes that have deeper holes.”
East of the Cascades, around the greater Spokane region and North Central Washington it was generally good fishing in lakes surveyed and excellent weather conditions.
“There were a lot of happy anglers, and it was a really nice day compared to last year,” said Randy Osborne, a WDFW regional biologist. “In the Spokane area, it was just slightly hazy and cloudy, and the temperatures were probably mid-60s with no wind.”
Trout by the numbers
In 2025, WDFW expects to stock or has stocked more than 14.5 million trout into roughly 500 lakes and pond across Washington. Of those an estimated 2.14 million are catchable-size trout averaging 11 to 13 inches, and more than 150,000 “jumbo” trout measuring 14 inches or longer were being stocked.
Several Eastern Washington opening day lakes receive annual fry/fingerling trout plants. In 2023, more than 10-million trout fry/fingerling (one to 5 inches) were stocked and should average eight to 12 inches during the 2025 season.
If you overslept or couldn’t get out this weekend, there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy a day on the water!
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 2025 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 and need to buy a 2025–2026 recreational hunting and fishing licenses. A fishing license is required (youth under age 15 fish for free) and can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. The 2024–2025 licenses expired on March 31.
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.
WDFW Trout Derby
The 10th anniversary of the WDFW’s Trout Derby, coincided with opening day and anglers caught a good number of tagged fish (599 derby prizes claimed as of Thursday, May 22). The derby is ongoing through Oct. 31 at more than 100 stocked statewide lakes.
More than 100 statewide businesses are offering an estimated 1,091 prizes valued around $54,858 and worth about $50.28 per prize, which is up considerably from previous years dating back to 2016. The success of the trout derby would only be possible through WDFW’s ongoing partnerships with business dealers/vendors throughout the state.
This season, each of the prize-winning trout can be identified by an orange tag inserted near the dorsal fin.
Anglers can participate in the WDFW photo contest during the first week of the trout derby on Instagram by using the hashtag #watroutderby.
The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2025–2026 fishing license, though temporary licenses are not valid for game fish species from April 26 through May 3. There is no entry fee or registration required. Children under age 15 fish for free. WDFW’s Washington Trout Derby website will be updated soon so you can see what statewide lakes contain tagged trout and learn more about how the derby works.
Statewide opening day results
Chelan County — Wapato Lake, 52 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 273 anglers and 90 at 12 p.m.) with 151 trout kept and 12 released for 2.90 kept per angler.
Douglas County — Jameson Lake, 30 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 248 anglers and 187 at 12 p.m.) with 110 trout kept for 3.66 kept per angler.
Grant County — Park Lake, 85 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 77 anglers and 103 at 12 p.m.) with 240 trout kept and 27 released for 2.82 kept per angler. Warden Lake, 49 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 57 anglers and 53 at 12 p.m.) with 181 trout kept and 104 released for 3.69 kept per angler.
Grays Harbor County — Bowers Lake, 11 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 20 anglers and 34 at 12 p.m.) with 20 trout kept for 1.81 kept per angler. Lake Sylvia, 48 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 36 anglers and 81 at 12 p.m.) with 98 trout kept and six released for 2.04 kept per angler. Failor Lake, 60 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 174 anglers and 47 at 12 p.m.) with 132 trout kept and 70 released for 2.2 kept per angler. Lake Inez, 23 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 51 anglers and 57 at 12 p.m.) with 34 trout kept and seven released for 1.47 kept per angler. Lake Aberdeen, 130 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 216 anglers and 67 at 12 p.m.) with 214 trout kept and 152 released for 1.64 kept per angler.
Jefferson County — Tarboo Lake, 20 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 14 anglers and 18 at 12 p.m.) with 49 trout kept (including one 23-inch broodstock) and 34 released for 2.45 kept per angler.
King County — Geneva Lake, 20 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 22 anglers and 31 at 11 a.m.) with 90 kept trout and 18 released for 4.5 kept per angler. Langlois Lake, 44 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 21 anglers and 27 at 11 a.m.) with 112 kept trout and 191 released for 2.54 kept per angler. Margaret Lake, 14 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 18 anglers and 31 at 11 a.m.) with 45 trout kept and 38 released for 3.21 kept per angler. Shady Lake, 24 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 13 anglers and 13 at 11 a.m.) with 91 trout kept and 62 released for 3.79 kept per angler. Wilderness Lake, 111 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 173 anglers and 176 at 11 a.m.) with 194 trout kept and 271 released for 1.74 kept per angler.
Kitsap County — Wildcat Lake, 33 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 43 anglers and 30 at 12 p.m.) with 95 trout kept and 114 released for 2.88 kept per angler. Horseshoe Lake, 23 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 13 anglers and five at 12 p.m.) with 71 trout kept and 39 released for 3.09 kept per angler.
Klickitat County — Rowland Lake, 26 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 67 anglers and 34 at 12 p.m.) with 58 trout kept and 23 released for 2.2 kept per angler. Horsethief Lake, 14 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 23 anglers and 16 at 12 p.m.) with 34 trout kept (included at 23-inch trout) and 24 released for 4.1 kept per angler. Spearfish Lake, 25 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 17 anglers and 31 at 12 p.m.) with 33 trout kept (included a 22.75-inch trout) and seven released for 1.6 kept per angler.
Lewis County — Carlisle Lake, 70 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 91 anglers and 89 at 12 p.m.) with 37 trout kept (included at 24-inch rainbow trout) and 18 released for 0.8 kept per angler. Mineral Lake, 72 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 392 anglers and 224 at 12 p.m.) with 119 trout kept (included a 25.25-inch rainbow trout) and 170 released for 4.0 kept per angler.
Lincoln/Spokane County — Fishtrap Lake, 15 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 45 anglers and 52 at 12 p.m.) with 40 trout kept and 41 released for 2.66 kept per angler.
Mason County — Benson Lake, 16 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 40 anglers and 37 at 12 p.m.) with 46 trout kept and 26 released for 2.88 kept per angler. Devereaux Lake, 33 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 54 anglers and 27 at 12 p.m.) with 136 trout kept and 10 released for 4.12 kept per angler. Haven Lake, nine anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 16 anglers and seven at 12 p.m.) with 19 trout kept for 2.11 kept per angler. Lake Limerick, 28 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 65 anglers and 63 at 12 p.m.) with 28 trout kept and 51 released for 1.0 kept per angler. Tiger Lake, 30 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 11 anglers and 19 at 12 p.m.) with 50 trout kept and 55 released for 1.67 kept per angler. Wooten Lake, 13 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 17 anglers and 24 at 12 p.m.) with 37 trout kept and 51 released for 2.85 kept per angler.
Okanogan County — Alta Lake, 51 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 68 anglers and 24 at 12 p.m.) with 65 trout kept and 25 released for 1.76 kept per angler. Pearrygin Lake, 14 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 151 anglers and 103 at 12 p.m.) with 24 trout kept for 1.41 kept per angler.
Pacific County — Black Lake, 67 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 154 anglers and 10 at 12 p.m.) with 47 trout kept and 11 released for 0.70 kept per angler. Cases Pond, 11 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was one angler and eight at 12 p.m.) with 12 trout kept and one released for 0.2 kept per angler. Snag Lake, 16 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was six anglers and 11 at 12 p.m.) with 27 trout kept and 13 released for 1.69 kept per angler. Western Lake, five anglers (count at 8 a.m. was three anglers and four at 12 p.m.) with five trout kept and 10 released for 1.00 kept per angler.
Pierce County — Lake Carney, 13 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 12 anglers and four at 12 p.m.) with 23 trout kept for 1.76 kept per angler. Clear Lake, 65 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 78 anglers and 36 at 12 p.m.) with 239 trout kept and six released for 3.67 kept per angler. Crescent Lake, 32 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 18 anglers and nine at 12 p.m.) with 67 trout kept and 74 released for 2.09 kept per angler. Ohop Lake, 16 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 28 anglers and 26 at 12 p.m.) with seven trout kept and six released for 0.43 kept per angler. Rapjohn Lake, 18 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 18 anglers and 14 at 12 p.m.) with 18 trout kept and 31 released for 1.0 kept per angler. Silver Lake, 62 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 116 anglers and 56 at 12 p.m.) with 156 trout kept and 36 released for 2.51 kept per angler. Tanwax Lake, 20 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 23 anglers and 37 at 12 p.m.) with 19 trout kept and eight released for 0.95 kept per angler.
Pend Oreille County — Diamond Lake, 21 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was nine anglers and 44 at 12 p.m.) with 11 trout kept and 11 released for 0.52 kept per angler.
San Juan Island County — Cascade Lake, 28 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 41 anglers and 30 at 11 a.m.) with 34 trout kept and two released for 1.21 kept per angler.
Skagit County — Erie Lake, 35 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 26 anglers and 43 at 11 a.m.) with 123 kept trout and 12 released for 3.51 kept per angler. Heart Lake, 51 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 53 anglers and 50 at 11 a.m.) with 171 kept trout and 550 released for 3.35 kept per angler. Lake McMurray, 71 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 117 anglers and 89 at 11 a.m.) with 205 kept trout and 175 released for 2.88 kept per angler. Lake Sixteen, 54 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 29 anglers and 18 at 11 a.m.) with 168 kept trout and 114 released for 3.11 kept per angler.
Snohomish County — Bosworth Lake, 21 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 23 anglers and 48 at 11 a.m.) with 29 kept trout and 63 released for 1.38 kept per angler. Echo-Maltby Lake, eight anglers (count at 7 a.m. was nine anglers and 16 at 11 a.m.) with 22 trout kept and nine released for 2.75 kept per angler. Lake Ki, 27 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 40 anglers and 58 at 11 a.m.) with 70 kept trout and 70 released for 2.59 kept per angler. Riley Lake, 24 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 84 anglers and 55 at 11 a.m.) with 49 kept trout and nine released for 2.04 kept per angler.
Spokane County — Badger Lake, 21 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 68 anglers and 74 at 12 p.m.) with 14 trout kept and 41 released for 0.66 kept per angler. Clear Lake, 29 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 78 anglers and 71 at 12 p.m.) with 57 trout kept and 27 released for 1.96. West Medical Lake, 55 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 56 anglers and 58 at 12 p.m.) with 23 trout kept and three released for 0.41 kept per angler. Williams Lake, 25 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 162 anglers and 185 at 12 p.m.) with 85 trout kept and 159 released for 3.4 kept per angler.
Stevens County — Cedar Lake, seven anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 10 anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with 19 trout kept and three released for 2.71 kept per angler. Mudgett Lake, 21 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 21 anglers and 25 at 12 p.m.) with 48 trout kept and five released for 2.28 kept per angler. Rocky Lake, 13 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was six anglers and six at 12 p.m.) with 20 trout kept and six released for 1.53 kept per angler. Starvation Lake, 24 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 17 anglers and 16 at 12 p.m.) with 17 trout kept and 27 released for 0.70 kept per angler. Waitts Lake, three anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 12 anglers and 54 at 12 p.m.) with 10 trout kept and 14 released for 3.33 kept per angler.
Thurston County — Clear Lake, 57 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 85 anglers and 50 at 12 p.m.) with 285 trout kept and 88 released for 5.0 kept per angler. Deep Lake, 35 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 18 anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with 53 trout kept and 44 released for 1.51 kept per angler. Hicks Lake, 32 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 22 anglers and 20 at 12 p.m.) with 103 trout kept or 78 released for 3.21 kept per angler. McIntosh Lake, 19 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 13 anglers and 322 at 12 p.m.) with 19 trout kept and 22 released for 1.0 kept per angler. Summit Lake, 41 anglers (count at 8 a.m. was 59 anglers and 31 at 12 p.m.) with 126 trout kept and 170 released for 3.07 kept per angler. Ward Lake, seven anglers (count at 8 a.m. was seven anglers and 18 at 12 p.m.) with 27 trout kept and one released for 3.85 kept per angler.
Whatcom County — Cain Lake, 10 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 10 anglers and 19 at 11 a.m.) with 30 kept trout and 20 released for 3.0 kept per angler. Padden Lake, 47 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 177 anglers and 149 at 11 a.m.) with 137 kept trout and 35 released for 2.91 kept per angler. Silver Lake, 71 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 116 anglers and 99 at 11 a.m.) with 302 kept trout and 372 released for 4.25 kept per angler. Toad Lake, 31 anglers (count at 7 a.m. was 22 anglers and 30 at 11 a.m.) with 81 kept trout and 117 released for 2.61 kept per angler.
