Coal Creek Fish Stocking
Washington · 1999–2018 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Coal Creek was last stocked February 10, 2018 with Coho Salmon. Coal Creek has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1999–2018, with about 95,293 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Coal Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Coal Creek, 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 Coal Creek was last stocked February 10, 2018, 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 Coal Creek:
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.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Coal Creek
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 Coal Creek, freshest activity first.
Plummer Lake
3 miLewis County · 1 species · 43 records
Last stocked March 2026
Lincoln Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 13 records
Last stocked March 2026
Coal Creek
0 miKing County · 1 species · 34 records
Last stocked February 2026
Newaukum River Nf23.0887
2 mi2 species · 35 records
Last stocked February 2026
Stearns Creek
4 mi1 species · 64 records
Last stocked February 2026
Newaukum River
2 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 10, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 24,877 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 24,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1999 | Steelhead | 616 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Coal Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Coal Creek was last stocked February 10, 2018 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Coal Creek?
Coal Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon and Steelhead.
How often is Coal Creek stocked?
Coal Creek is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1999 and 2018.
How many fish have been stocked in Coal Creek?
About 95,293 fish have been stocked in Coal Creek across 5 recorded events since 1999, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Coal Creek?
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 Coal Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Coal Creek 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.