Big Quilcene Fish Stocking
Jefferson County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Big Quilcene was last stocked February 12, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Big Quilcene has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 3,507 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Quilcene is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Quilcene
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Jefferson County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big Quilcene, 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 Big Quilcene was last stocked February 12, 2026, 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.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Big Quilcene:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
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).
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Big Quilcene
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Big Quilcene, freshest activity first.
Leland Lake
5 miJefferson County · 3 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Silent Lake
5 miJefferson County · 3 species · 81 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tarboo Lake
7 miJefferson County · 2 species · 110 records
Last stocked May 2026
Gibbs Lake
11 miJefferson County · 2 species · 109 records
Last stocked April 2026
Teal Lake
10 miJefferson County · 2 species · 93 records
Last stocked March 2026
Sandy Shore Lake
7 miJefferson County · 2 species · 88 records
Last stocked October 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 12, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 13, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 2, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 370 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 22, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 416 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 31, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 401 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Big Quilcene last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Big Quilcene was last stocked February 12, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Big Quilcene?
Big Quilcene is stocked with Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Big Quilcene stocked?
Big Quilcene is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Quilcene?
About 3,507 fish have been stocked in Big Quilcene across 11 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Quilcene?
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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Big Quilcene?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Quilcene typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.