(information from WDFW website)
April 26 is the kickoff for WDFW’s 10th annual statewide Trout Derby, which runs through Oct. 31 at more than 100 stocked lakes. Offut Lake is one of these lakes! This anniversary edition of the derby is our biggest yet, featuring more than 100 participating businesses that are offering over 1,100 prizes valued at more than $54,000!
The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2025 fishing license, though temporary licenses are not valid for game fish species from April 26 through May 3. There is no entry fee or registration required. You just catch a tagged trout anytime between April 26 and Oct. 31 and you win! Plus, children under 15 fish for free.
How it works:
- Fish a participating lake
Check the list of all 2025 Trout Derby lakes to find one near you. - Catch tagged trout
Winning derby trout will have an orange tag attached near their fin. Keep the tag! You will need it to claim your prize. - Fill out the prize claim form (Coming soon)
Enter the tag number listed on the side of the derby tag, the lake you caught it in, the date it was caught, and your contact information. - Win big!
Take your tag to the business location you were provided and claim your derby prize! - Share your success!
Take a photo of yourself and your winning derby trout to share on social media. #watroutderby
Click this LINK to enter your fish and claim your prize!
The fine print:
There is no entrance fee or extra cost to participate in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) statewide Trout Derby. To participate in the lowland lakes opener and the Trout Derby, anglers must have a 2025 Get Outdoors package, annual freshwater, annual Fish WA, annual combination, or temporary combination license. Anglers should note that one- to three-day temporary combination licenses are not valid for the first eight days of the lowland opener; except for active-duty military personnel serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces. Licenses can be purchased online; by telephone at 360-902-2464; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state.
The law does not require children 14 years of age or under to obtain a fishing license. However, they must actively participate and be able to demonstrate the ability to handle the gear by themselves. They must also follow the same rules, regulations, and daily limits as adults. Adults may provide assistance but are not required to hold a license if they will not be fishing/harvesting themselves, and children must be present and take part in the entire process.
WDFW employees and their immediate family member(s) are prohibited from participating in the statewide Trout Derby. However, WDFW employees and immediate family member(s) may fish on their personal time in stocked lakes that contain prize fish. WDFW employees and their immediate family member(s) are NOT eligible to claim any derby prize(s).
