WDFW opens lowland lakes statewide April 26; marks 10th anniversary of popular Trout Derby

OLYMPIA – Anglers across Washington can look forward to the start of lowland lakes fishing on April 26, with thousands of anglers expected to visit lakes statewide. This year’s opener also marks the 10th anniversary of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) statewide Trout Derby, featuring more tagged fish and prizes than ever before. 

“Opening day is one of our biggest and most important days for anglers. There are great fishing opportunities at lakes statewide for people of all ages and backgrounds,” said WDFW inland fish program manager Steve Caromile. “Spring weather can be difficult to predict, but the opener still draws plenty of interest and brings families and people together. It’s always a great day, no matter the weather.” 

WDFW fish and hatchery staff work throughout the year to ensure a successful lowland lakes opener and will stock more than 14.5 million trout statewide for 2025. This includes: 

• 2.14 million catchable-size trout, averaging 11 to 13 inches.
• More than 150,000 jumbo trout measuring 14 inches or more and weighing one to 1.5 pounds.
• 1.6 million “put, grow, and take” trout reared in hatcheries in 2024. These trout, initially stocked at a smaller size, are allowed to grow in lakes before becoming available to anglers once they reach 8 to 12 inches.
• More than 10.6 million fingerling and fry trout and kokanee planted two years ago expected to contribute to 2025 fisheries, primarily in Eastern Washington. 

Most jumbo trout will be stocked in spring, with some saved for fall planting. The Puget Sound region will see 428,800 catchable trout, 25,000 jumbo trout, and 30,000 “put, grow, and take” trout in local lakes. Stocking reports, including recent catchable trout plants, are available on WDFW’s fish stocking webpage. 

The annual WDFW Trout Derby also kicks off April 26 and runs through Oct. 31. Now in its 10th year, the derby features nearly 1,100 prizes valued at more than $54,000 from more than 100 participating businesses. Businesses have donated a wide variety of prizes including gift cards, fishing gear, tackle, Seattle Mariners tickets, rounds of golf, local aquarium admission, a kayak, guided lake fishing trips, handheld GPS units, resort stays, and more. 

“The generosity of our vendors has made the Trout Derby a great success, and something that many anglers look forward to,” Caromile said.  

Each prize-winning trout is marked with an orange tag near the dorsal fin. Anglers can visit the WDFW Trout Derby webpage at WDFWderby.com for a list of participating lakes and instructions on how to claim a prize after catching a tagged fish. 

Anglers can also participate in the WDFW photo contest during the first week of the Trout Derby on Instagram by using the hashtag #watroutderby.   

To participate in the opener and the derby, anglers must have the 2025 Get Outdoors package, annual freshwater, annual Fish WA, annual combination, or temporary combination license. Anglers should note that one- to three-day temporary combination licenses are not valid for the first eight days of the lowland opener; except for active-duty military personnel serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces. Anglers can buy online; by telephone at 360-902-2464; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. 

Please be respectful of fellow anglers and other recreationists, obey posted signage at all water access areas, obey all parking regulations, and have a backup plan in case your preferred destination is overcrowded. 

There are more than 7,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in Washington, and hundreds of WDFW-managed water-access areas, including some with areas accessible for people with disabilities. Other state and federal agencies operate hundreds more. Details on water-access areas can be found on WDFW's water-access webpage. 

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. Anglers can find information on parking passes on WDFW’s parking webpage. 

Certain Washington lakes are open year-round, and many lakes in Central and Eastern Washington opened March 1. 

Before heading out, anglers should also check WDFW’s fishing regulations webpage for permanent regulations and emergency rules page for rule updates affecting fisheries. 

WDFW employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to claim fishing derby prizes. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. 

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