Elk Creek Fish Stocking
Pacific County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Elk Creek was last stocked March 20, 2026 with Chum. Elk Creek has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 1,178,352 fish stocked over that period.
When Elk Creek is stocked
Elk Creek is typically stocked in winter, most often in March — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Elk Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pacific County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Elk 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 Elk Creek was last stocked March 20, 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 Elk Creek:
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).
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Elk Creek
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 Elk Creek, freshest activity first.
Rue Creek West Fork
6 miPacific County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stringer Creek
8 miPacific County · 4 species · 42 records
Last stocked April 2026
Oxbow Creek
9 miPacific County · 2 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Rue Creek
5 miPacific County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2026
Ward Creek
3 miPacific County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2025
Green Creek
8 miPacific County · 3 species · 20 records
Last stocked April 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20, 2026 | Chum | 97,858 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2025 | Chum | 44,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2025 | Chum | 48,261 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 2024 | Chum | 94,033 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 25, 2023 | Chum | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 2004 | Chum | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 2004 | Chum | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 13, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 29, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 80,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 1998 | Chinook Salmon | 200,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 1997 | Chinook Salmon | 200,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Elk Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Elk Creek was last stocked March 20, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Elk Creek?
Elk Creek is stocked with Chum, Coho Salmon, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Elk Creek stocked?
Elk Creek is typically stocked in winter, most often in March.
How often is Elk Creek stocked?
Elk Creek is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Elk Creek?
About 1,178,352 fish have been stocked in Elk Creek across 15 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Elk 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.