Rainbow Trout Stocked · 10 plants · last April 24, 2026 Best: dawn, dusk Lake Padden fishing
Lake Padden fishing has Rainbow Trout on the stocking report. Also recorded: Largemouth Bass, Kokanee, and Coastal Cutthroat Trout. It is stocked about 5 times a year since 2025, most often in March and April. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.
- Last stocked
- April 24, 2026
- · Rainbow Trout
- Plants on record
- 10
- Since 2025
- Species stocked
- 1 (+3 also recorded)
- Average size
- 10.7 in
- Surface acres
- 160
- Elevation
- 447 ft
Fish at Lake Padden
Around the dates Lake Padden is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 47.4°F in April, 42.5°F in March. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Rainbow Trout Stocked · 10 plants · last April 24, 2026 Best: dawn, dusk 
Largemouth Bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Largemouth Bass species guide
Kokanee Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Kokanee species guide
Coastal Cutthroat Trout Confirmed present The lake provides good shoreline access as it is completely surrounded by a public park with multiple access points. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season, and fall can be an ideal time as fish become more active with cooler temperatures. (wdfw.wa.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Lake Padden is stocked
About 224 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 7 lakes in Whatcom County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 2025
19,066
Fish stocked in 2026
16,750
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 11.4 in | report |
| April 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 11 in | report |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 11 in | report |
| April 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 6,600 | 11 in | report |
| April 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,138 | 10.4 in | report |
| April 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,105 | 10.4 in | report |
| April 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,433 | 10.2 in | report |
| April 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,468 | 10.2 in | report |
| April 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,192 | 10.2 in | report |
| March 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,730 | 11.4 in | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Bellingham
- Facilities
- restrooms, dock
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before you go.
About Lake Padden
Warmer water temperatures during summer can cause a lull in fishing for trout, Coastal Cutthroat, and Kokanee, as these fish move offshore to seek deeper, cooler refuge from July through August. Largemouth Bass also experience a slight summer lull and are offshore and slow moving during winter. (wdfw.wa.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lake Padden is a wonderful place to bring the kids for safe shoreline fishing. (wdfw.wa.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Nearest lakes
Public land at Lake Padden
Lake Padden is 1 mile outside the edge of Larrabee State Park.
Boundaries from Public Lands DB, part of the same network.
Common questions
What fish are at Lake Padden?
Fishing Lake Padden usually means Rainbow Trout. All 10 plants on record are Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout was last stocked April 24, 2026, averaging 10.7 in. Largemouth Bass, Kokanee, and Coastal Cutthroat Trout are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Lake Padden stocked?
Last stocked April 24, 2026. It is stocked about 5 times a year since 2025, most often in March and April. About 224 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 7 lakes in Whatcom County with both a fish count and a surface area.
How big are the fish stocked at Lake Padden?
Rainbow Trout stocked at Lake Padden average 10.7 in.
How do you get on Lake Padden?
The nearest town is Bellingham. Facilities include restrooms and dock.