WDFW Releases Trout Early Into King County's Morton Lake

OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have stocked King County’s Morton Lake with trout months ahead of schedule due to drought conditions.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently released the 1,500 rainbow trout, averaging one pound each, into Morton Lake near Kent.

Typically, WDFW stocks the lake in October. This year’s drought, however, has reduced water flows at the department’s Soos Creek Hatchery, to levels that won’t support holding these trout until October.

“While this is unfortunate for fall fishing, we’re glad anglers will have a chance this summer to catch some nice trout,” said Justin Spinelli, WDFW regional fish biologist.

Morton Lake is open to fishing year-round. All anglers 15 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license. The daily bag limit is five trout of any size.

Anglers are advised to check the sport fishing rules pamphlet, which is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations. Information about accessing Morton Lake can be found on WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/30258/.

More information about drought’s effects on fish and wildlife can be found on the department’s drought webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/drought/.