Carbon River Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Carbon River was last stocked March 30, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Carbon River has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 43,293 fish stocked over that period.
When Carbon River is stocked
Carbon River is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Carbon River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Carbon River, 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 Carbon River was last stocked March 30, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Carbon River:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Carbon River
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 Carbon River, freshest activity first.
Bradley Lake
3 miPierce County · 3 species · 180 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Tapps
7 miPierce County · 3 species · 41 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wilkeson Creek
7 miPierce County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Voight Creek
4 miPierce County · 4 species · 313 records
Last stocked June 2026
Fivemile Lake
10 miKing County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clarks Creek
8 miPierce County · 3 species · 91 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 30, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 237 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 236 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 239 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 183 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 23 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 239 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 215 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 40,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 376 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Carbon River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Carbon River was last stocked March 30, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Carbon River?
Carbon River is stocked with Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Carbon River stocked?
Carbon River is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Carbon River stocked?
Carbon River is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Carbon River?
About 43,293 fish have been stocked in Carbon River across 14 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Carbon River?
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.