Hicks Lake received roughly 6,900 stocked rainbow trout this spring
WDFW planted three batches of catchable rainbow trout in Hicks Lake in April 2026, keeping the fishery on pace ahead of the April-through-October season.
Hicks Lake
Anglers at Hicks Lake had fresh stock to work with this spring. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife records show three catchable rainbow trout plants in April 2026, totaling roughly 6,900 fish:
- April 17 — 2,500 rainbows from Eells Springs hatchery
- April 20 — 1,833 rainbows from Lakewood hatchery
- April 21 — 2,600 rainbows from Eells Springs hatchery
WDFW describes Hicks Lake's harvest opportunity as good for nine- to 13-inch stocked rainbows, with 16-inch rainbows stocked annually and periodic brown trout plants. The lake also holds naturally reproducing black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, and brown bullhead.
Season reminder: Hicks Lake is open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31. Two-pole fishing is allowed with the appropriate endorsement. See the Hicks Lake guide for access points and the full fishing breakdown.