Rock Lake set for fall fishing

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Nov 02, 20170

Future fishing at Rock Lake has been perpetuated with 27,000 new rainbow trout stocked in the 2,147 acre lake Oct. 11.

“Hopefully, they’ll continue to grow through the fall,” said Steve Thiesfeld, inland fish program manager with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The trout, estimated to weigh one-third of a pound, came from the Lyons Ferry Hatchery.

The Rock Lake trout make up almost 25 percent of the total number of fish WDFW expects to plant this fall. Thiesfeld noted the amount and timing of the fish plants are determined by biologists to maintain good fisheries in the state’s waterways.

Rock Lake was scheduled to have 22,750 rainbow trout and 17,500 brown trout planted last spring.

Many of the fall plantings across the state are in preparation of the opening of the fall fishing season. Thiesfeld said that, particularly in the southwest region of the state, the fish stocking is done with the season opening the day after Thanksgiving, also known the Black Friday opener.

“It’s a different opportunity for people,” The Black Friday fishing highlights an opportunity for people to get out of the shopping malls and into the outdoors.

A Washington freshwater fishing license is required to fish in Rock Lake.

All except Pampa Pond are open to year-around fishing.