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The 11th annual statewide Trout Derby starts April 25!
Have fun, catch fish, win big
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The 2026 Trout Derby will officially open April 25 at more than 100 stocked lakes and runs through Oct. 31. This 11th edition of the derby features more than 60 participating businesses offering over 900 donated prizes valued at more than $44,000!
The major prizes that will be swimming and ready to be caught include:
- A kayak
- Seattle Mariners tickets
- Resort stays
- Pontoon boat rentals
- A guided fishing trip
- Zoo and trampoline park passes
- Rounds of golf
- Gift cards up to $100
- Quality fishing equipment
- Clothing, accessories, and more!
As the derby draws near, we'd like to recognize the generosity of our derby donors. These WDFW license dealers and partners support the derby and your angling opportunity by donating the prizes you can go catch. Visit the derby information page to see the businesses offering prizes that you have the chance to win, and check out the "Trophy level" sponsors who donated $1,500 or more.
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Get started
Visit the derby information page for a list of participating lakes by clicking the button below.
You can also download the Fish Washington mobile app, where derby lakes will be marked. The free mobile app is designed to convey up-to-the-minute fishing regulations for every lake, river, stream, and marine area in the state.
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Fish on!
Catch a winning derby trout with an green WDFW tag attached near its fin and keep the tag to claim your prize.
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Prize time
You can claim your prize by filling out the form for a winning fish at wdfwderby.com. You’ll need to provide the tag number, lake, date of catch, and your contact info. Once that's entered, the webpage will give you your next steps.
For more information on claiming your prize, you can watch this video.
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Redemption
Next take your tag to the business you were provided or follow the instructions to redeem your prize.
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Fish stories
Take a photo of you and your derby trout or your fishing adventure to share on social media using #watroutderby and you could receive a WDFW prize package!
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Tight lines!
Getting started in the derby is easy: The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2026 fishing license. There is no entrance fee or registration required. You just catch a tagged trout between April 25 and Oct. 31, and you win. Plus, children under 16 fish for free!
Lowland lakes fishing
Lakes that aren’t open year-round also open to fishing on April 25 to give anglers new and old exciting, family-friendly fishing opportunities.
Search for local fishing spots — with information on bank access, what’s in the water, and when it’s biting — at the WDFW lowland lakes webpage.
Stocking may occur before a lake is open to fishing. Regulations, not stocking schedules, determine when fishing is allowed. Anglers should check the current regulations and have the appropriate recreational fishing license before fishing.
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Be safe, tight lines, and enjoy fishing Washington! |
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