OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is stocking nearly 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout in 25 lakes statewide ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, offering anglers a chance to get outside for Washington’s annual Black Friday fishing. These holiday special rainbow trout weigh up to three pounds and measure up to 17 inches each.
“WDFW has offered Black Friday fishing for more than a decade, and it’s a great way to get outdoors over the holiday weekend,” said Steve Caromile, WDFW inland fish program manager. “We stock jumbo trout in lakes near communities, making it easy to spend a few hours on the water with friends and family.”
This year, the lakes and ponds that will be stocked before Nov. 28 include:
In total, WDFW is stocking nearly 230,000 trout in 67 lakes statewide this fall, including jumbo trout. For up-to-date stocking information, anglers can refer to the catchable trout stocking report on the WDFW website. Visit WDFW’s lowland lakes page for more information on these and hundreds of other lakes throughout the state.
Anglers 16 years and older must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license, valid through March 31, 2026, to participate. Licenses can be purchased online, or at any of the hundreds of license vendors across the state.
Though uncommon in November, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can still be present in lakes. Before heading out, make sure to check your county health department for water quality advisories. Learn more about advisories at doh.wa.gov/fish.
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.
An angler fishing from a boat smiles while holding a large rainbow trout. Photo credit Julie Harper.
