The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced a statewide stocking effort that will place over 82,000 jumbo rainbow trout in thirty lakes ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend. The initiative is marketed as “Black Friday Fishing,” a family‑friendly way to spend the holiday weekend outdoors rather than standing in retail lines.
Where the trout will be released
WDFW listed the specific lakes and ponds that will receive the fish, grouped by county:
- Chelan County: Roses Lake
- Clark County: Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond
- Cowlitz County: Kress Lake
- Island County: Cranberry Lake
- Jefferson County: Leland Lake
- King County: Beaver Lake, Green Lake, Lake Alice, Lake Desire
- Klickitat County: Rowland Lake
- Lewis County: Fort Borst Park Pond, South Lewis County Park Pond
- Mason County: Spencer Lake
- Pierce County: American Lake, Tanwax Lake
- Snohomish County: Ballinger Lake, Blackmans Lake, Gissburg Ponds, Silver Lake, Lake Tye
- Spokane County: Hog Canyon Lake
- Stevens County: Hatch Lake, Williams Lake
- Thurston County: Black Lake, Lake Lawrence, Long Lake, Offutt Lake
- Walla Walla County: Hood Park Ponds
- Yakima County: I‑82 Pond #4
Each jumbo rainbow trout can weigh up to three pounds and measure as long as 17 inches, providing anglers with a substantial catch.
Why the stocking matters
“We know not everyone is keen on shopping before dawn,” said Kirt Hughes, WDFW Fish Management Division Manager. “WDFW offers Black Friday Fishing as a great alternative, so skip those lines and get outdoors with friends and family during a busy time of year.” Hughes emphasized that trout fishing is both easy and affordable, with more than 100 public docks, piers, and bank locations available statewide.
The department plans to stock a total of 237,000 trout across 70 lakes this season, making the Thanksgiving weekend one of the busiest periods for recreational fishing in Washington. By placing fish in lakes that are close to local communities, WDFW hopes to encourage families to enjoy the state’s natural resources, strengthen community bonds, and support the outdoor recreation economy.
How to participate
Anglers interested in the Black Friday Fishing event should check the WDFW website for specific release dates and any required permits. Most stocked lakes are open to the public, and many offer boat launches or shoreline access. As always, anglers are reminded to follow state fishing regulations, practice catch‑and‑release where appropriate, and respect private property boundaries.
With the holiday season approaching, the department’s effort underscores a broader commitment to promoting healthy, family‑centered activities that align with Washington’s tradition of outdoor stewardship.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
