Baker Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 2004–2017 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Baker Lake was last stocked May 19, 2017 with Sockeye Salmon. Baker Lake has 34 stocking records on file, spanning 2004–2017, with about 7,064,966 fish stocked over that period.
When Baker Lake is stocked
Baker Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Baker Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Whatcom County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Baker Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Baker Lake was last stocked May 19, 2017, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Washington freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Washington license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Washington fish & wildlife agency.Official Washington regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Baker Lake:
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Sockeye Salmon Profile Tips
A major Washington fishery, especially in years with strong returns to systems like the Columbia and Baker rivers.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Baker Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Baker Lake, freshest activity first.
Kachess Lake
4 miKittitas County · 2 species · 141 records
Last stocked June 2026
Keechelus Lake
3 miKittitas County · 4 species · 79 records
Last stocked May 2026
Baker Lake
0 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 922 records
Last stocked May 2026
Margaret Lake
3 miKittitas County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stonesthrow Lake
2 miKittitas County · 2 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2022
Lake Lillian
4 miKittitas County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2017 | Sockeye Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2017 | Sockeye Salmon | 579,386 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2017 | Sockeye Salmon | 868,432 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2017 | Sockeye Salmon | 878,890 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2017 | Sockeye Salmon | 683,901 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 144,235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2013 | Sockeye Salmon | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2013 | Sockeye Salmon | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 26 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2013 | Sockeye Salmon | 223,830 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 5,162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2012 | Sockeye Salmon | 5,163 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2012 | Sockeye Salmon | 483,046 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2012 | Sockeye Salmon | 850,453 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2012 | Sockeye Salmon | 1,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 1,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2012 | Sockeye Salmon | 666,511 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 151,302 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 75,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2011 | Sockeye Salmon | 110,315 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2011 | Sockeye Salmon | 47,664 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2011 | Sockeye Salmon | 57,665 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2011 | Sockeye Salmon | 332,323 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2011 | Sockeye Salmon | 402,213 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2007 | Sockeye Salmon | 37,184 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 37,581 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 43,668 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 34,775 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 54,228 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 55,849 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 58,185 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 58,964 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2005 | Sockeye Salmon | 4,907 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2004 | Sockeye Salmon | 41,373 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2004 | Sockeye Salmon | 39,661 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Baker Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Baker Lake was last stocked May 19, 2017 with Sockeye Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Baker Lake?
Baker Lake is stocked with Sockeye Salmon and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Baker Lake stocked?
Baker Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Baker Lake stocked?
Baker Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 34 recorded stockings between 2004 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Baker Lake?
About 7,064,966 fish have been stocked in Baker Lake across 34 recorded events since 2004, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Baker Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Washington freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Washington fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.