Fishing at Lake Roosevelt, Washington
79,000-acre reservoir · Stevens County · 1,290 ft elevation · 3 species stocked
Stretching across 79,000 acres in Stevens County, Lake Roosevelt is a reservoir known to anglers throughout Washington for its consistent fishery for its target species. Whether you're casting from a kayak or running deeper structure from a boat, the data on this page will help you plan your next trip.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 8 stocking events on record for Lake Roosevelt:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22, 2026 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 44,806 | 3.5″ |
| Mar 7, 2026 | 🐟 Walleye | 404,474 | 7.4″ |
| Feb 4, 2026 | 🐟 Walleye | 401,091 | 10.5″ |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 7,746 | 7.4″ |
| Apr 11, 2025 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 4,655 | 7.5″ |
| Apr 11, 2025 | 🐟 Walleye | 202,284 | 6.8″ |
| Apr 3, 2025 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 1,666 | 6.1″ |
| May 6, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 7,076 | 9.6″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Kokanee Salmon in Washington
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Roosevelt, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Kokanee Salmon lakes in Washington
- Top Walleye lakes in Washington
- Top Rainbow Trout lakes in Washington
Best Time to Fish Lake Roosevelt
For kokanee salmon, the best fishing on Lake Roosevelt is typically in summer, when surface temperatures fall in the 50–60°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with reservoir thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake Roosevelt. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Light kokanee trolling rod
- reel: Line counter reel
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- rod: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake Roosevelt:
- Banks Lake — 54.7 mi (27,000 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Washington fishing license is required at Lake Roosevelt. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake Roosevelt?
Lake Roosevelt has been stocked with Kokanee Salmon, Walleye, Rainbow Trout.
When was Lake Roosevelt last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Mar 22, 2026, when 44,806 kokanee salmon were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Roosevelt?
Yes — a valid Washington fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.