Instead of crowding into overheated big box stores in search of discounted merchandise, Whidbey Island residents may want to think about creating different kinds of family memories on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released a list this week of lakes and ponds in the state that will be stocked with trout ahead of Black Friday, which is Nov. 24. Cranberry Lake in Deception Pass made the list.

Fish and Wildlife reports that the lakes statewide have been stocked with 60,000 jumbo-sized rainbow trout.

In 33-acre Cranberry Lake, about 14,000 rainbow trout were stocked last year and this year will likely be about the same. The lake has a fishing pier on the east shore and a small, undeveloped gravel boat launch on the northwest corner. Combustion motors on boats are not allowed.

In addition, other catchable fish in the lake include brown trout and two resident species, largemouth bass and yellow perch. While largemouth bass are fun to catch due to their feistiness, yellow perch are very popular across the state because “they are easy to catch, they are a great ‘family fishing activity’ and they are outstanding eating quality,” according to Fish and Wildlife.

Current fishing prospects are “good” for trout and perch and “fair” for bass, the state reports.

The Fish and Wildlife’s website has information about fishing in hundreds of lakes across the state, including up-to-date stocking information. Tips about catching trout can be found on Washington Fish and Wildlife’s Medium blog.

Anglers 15 years and older must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license valid through March 31, 2024, to participate. Licenses can be purchased online or at any of the hundreds of license vendors across the state.