Rainbow Trout Stocked · 13 plants · last April 28, 2026 Best: dawn, dusk Nahwatzel Lake fishing
Nahwatzel Lake fishing is stocked with Rainbow Trout on a natural lake. Also recorded: Largemouth Bass and Coastal Cutthroat Trout. It is stocked about 6.5 times a year since 2025, most often in April and September. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.
- Last stocked
- October 6, 2026
- · Rainbow Trout
- Plants on record
- 15
- Since 2025
- Species stocked
- 1 (+2 also recorded)
- Average size
- 18 in
- Surface acres
- 280.2
- Elevation
- 456 ft
Fish at Nahwatzel Lake
Around the dates Nahwatzel Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 47.4°F in April, 59.5°F in September, 42.7°F in March, 50.8°F in October. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Rainbow Trout Stocked · 13 plants · last April 28, 2026 Best: dawn, dusk 
Largemouth Bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Largemouth Bass species guide
Coastal Cutthroat Trout Confirmed present The lake is stocked with rainbow trout twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Nahwatzel Lake is stocked
About 54 reported fish per acre, 20th most of 21 lakes in Mason County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 2025
9,042
Fish stocked in 2026
5,961
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 14.5 in | report |
| September 30, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 14.5 in | report |
| April 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,361 | 12.7 in | report |
| April 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 22.5 in | report |
| April 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 22.5 in | report |
| October 7, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 16.1 in | report |
| September 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 16.1 in | report |
| September 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 95 | 27.4 in | report |
| September 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 13.7 in | report |
| April 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,540 | 12.8 in | report |
| April 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,852 | 12.9 in | report |
| April 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 19.2 in | report |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 19.2 in | report |
| March 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 19.2 in | report |
| March 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 19.2 in | report |
Access and facts
- Water type
- natural lake
- Nearest town
- Matlock
- Facilities
- restrooms
Spring-fed lake in the Olympic foothills between Shelton and Matlock. Shore fishing is limited to the area around the launch.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before you go.
About Nahwatzel Lake
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, April and May or late September and October are the best months for catching rainbow trout. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Nahwatzel Lake?
Fishing Nahwatzel Lake usually means Rainbow Trout. All 13 plants on record are Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout was last stocked April 28, 2026, averaging 18 in. Largemouth Bass and Coastal Cutthroat Trout are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Nahwatzel Lake stocked?
Last stocked October 6, 2026. It is stocked about 6.5 times a year since 2025, most often in April and September. About 54 reported fish per acre, 20th most of 21 lakes in Mason County with both a fish count and a surface area.
How big are the fish stocked at Nahwatzel Lake?
Rainbow Trout stocked at Nahwatzel Lake average 18 in.
How do you get on Nahwatzel Lake?
The nearest town is Matlock. Facilities include restrooms. Spring-fed lake in the Olympic foothills between Shelton and Matlock. Shore fishing is limited to the area around the launch.
Which lakes near Nahwatzel Lake were stocked more recently?
Lake Kokanee (12.5 mi) and Summit Lake (16.8 mi) were stocked more recently. Lake Kokanee is also stocked with Rainbow Trout and Summit Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout.