The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced that trout season is set to make a splash on April 27 as hundreds of lowland lakes around the state open up for fishing enthusiasts. According to their recent news release, not only will folks have the chance to reel in the big one, but they could also score one of over 800 derby prizes up for grabs this year.
WDFW's website has become an angler's go-to to check which lakes have been recently stocked. And this isn't just any run-of-the-mill fish; these waters have been seeded with more than 14.5 million trout and kokanee over the past year. So be sure to check out the list and swiftly to plot your next fishing adventure. Anglers can sort the stocking information by county or waterbody to find a nearby stocked lake that’s teeming with potential catches.
"The trout derby is a very popular activity for Washington anglers of all ages and backgrounds," said Steve Caromile, inland fish program manager with WDFW, in a statement covered by their newsroom. The organization reported stocking catchable-size trout averaging 12 to 14 inches, alongside nearly 143,000 jumbo trout measuring more than 14 inches each. These prize-winning fish are making their way into the lakes just in time for spring fishing.
Intrigued by the prospect of reeling in more than just fish? This year's statewide trout derby, running through October 31, is studded with over 800 donated prizes worth more than $42,000 in total. Charge your fishing skills and you might just hook up one of these tagged trout in lakes across Washington. The derby website will soon be updated with a list of lakes that are swimming with prize-worthy fish. But remember, to legally catch these fish or claim a derby prize, you're going to need a valid fishing license which can be conveniently purchased online or by calling 360-902-2464.
Washington has over 7,000 lakes and the WDFW manages plenty of them, including some that are accessible for people with disabilities. Just be sure to respect your fellow anglers and nature—which includes posting the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass, which are necessary for parking at water-access areas. For more information on parking passes, check out the WDFW's website. Before you head out, it's a good move to cast an eye over the WDFW's fishing regulations webpage and the emergency rules webpage for any updates to avoid any unwanted snags on your fishing trip.
