Wapato Lake

Wapato Lake is open to juveniles only (under 15 years old) and is open all year to fishing. While listed in Fishing in Washington sport fish regulations pamphlet, be sure to check with Tacoma Metro Parks as they regulate access to this urban lake, due to water quality issues. The lake is typically stocked with rainbow trout prior to Tacoma School Districts spring break and summer vacation.

Two-pole fishing is NOT allowed

Special fishing restrictions:

Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.

Shoreline access: Good - Good shoreline access

Species you might catch

Rainbow trout

Lake information

County: Pierce
Acreage: 26.50 ac.
Elevation: 323 ft.
Center: 47.195726, -122.456792
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: WAPATO LK (PIER)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
May 1, 2020	Rainbow	4,065	2.1	EELLS SPRINGS
May 8, 2019	Rainbow	1,008	2.4	CHAMBERS CR HATCHERY
May 1, 2019	Rainbow	912	2.4	CHAMBERS CR HATCHERY
Apr 4, 2019	Rainbow	2,028	2.6	CHAMBERS CR HATCHERY
Jun 15, 2018	Rainbow	2,600	2.12	EELLS SPRINGS
Jun 12, 2018	Rainbow	247	0.9	LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
Apr 5, 2018	Rainbow	2,000	2.5	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 17, 2013	Rainbow	1,000	2.5	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Mar 12, 2013	Rainbow	1,680	2.5	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2012	Rainbow	1,380	2.2	PUYALLUP HATCHERY

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.