Shady Lake

Catchable-size Rainbow Trout are stocked in the spring. Bass and sunfish populations are also present. Check the regulations pamphlet for special trout limit.

This lake is one of only ten waters in King County managed with a seasonal fishing closure. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season and decline as fish are harvested and as warmer water temperatures force trout to seek areas of colder refuge. Fall is often overlooked by anglers, but can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

There is a developed WDFW access on the south shore with parking, toilets, and ramp. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW boat ramp only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 20.70 ac.
Elevation: 534 ft.
Center: 47.429321, -122.106794
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: SHADY LK (KING)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 7, 2015 Rainbow 3,200 1.6 GARRISON HATCHERY
Apr 21, 2014 Rainbow 3,400 2.5 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 15, 2013 Rainbow 3,400 2.5 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 31, 2012 Rainbow 1,800 2.4 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 9, 2011 Rainbow 4,500 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 27, 2008 Rainbow 4,170 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 31, 2007 Rainbow 4,000 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Jun 2, 2006 Rainbow 4,000 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Jun 1, 2004 Rainbow 2,000 2.8 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Jun 2, 2003 Rainbow 2,500 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Shady Lake
Photo by WDFW