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Reports > 2023 > April > Friday 14
Friday, April 14, 2023
 
By Dave Graybill
 
The lakes are stocked. The fish are tagged. And, on Saturday, April 22, anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching trout when hundreds of lakes open across Washington, and the 2023 statewide trout derby officially kicks off. To participate in the opener and the derby, Washington anglers must have an annual freshwater, combination, or Fish Washington fishing license valid through March 31, 2024. “Opening day is the result of a huge annual effort to provide fishing at lakes throughout the state, for people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Steve Caromile, Inland Fish Program manager with WDFW. “Our fish and hatchery staff work tirelessly throughout the year to offer accessible fishing in diverse settings across Washington, and the trout derby means you might even win a prize while doing it.” This year, the annual statewide trout derby boasts more than 800 prizes worth more than $40,000, which anglers can claim by catching tagged trout in lakes across Washington. More than 100 lakes will feature prize fish in 2023. The derby runs through Oct. 31. Visit the derby website to see lakes containing tagged fish. There are more than 7,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs in Washington, and hundreds of WDFW-managed water-access areas, including some with areas accessible for people with disabilities. Other state and federal agencies operate hundreds more. Details on water-access areas can be found on WDFW's website.