Fishtrap Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Fishtrap Creek was last stocked June 12, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Fishtrap Creek has 40 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 951,379 fish stocked over that period.
When Fishtrap Creek is stocked
Fishtrap Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in June — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fishtrap Creek
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 Fishtrap 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 Fishtrap Creek was last stocked June 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 Fishtrap 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).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Fishtrap 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 Fishtrap Creek, freshest activity first.
Lake Fazon
8 miWhatcom County · 5 species · 76 records
Last stocked June 2026
Whatcom Creek
11 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Toad Lake
10 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Schell Creek
8 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked March 2026
Lake Terrell
8 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 90 records
Last stocked March 2026
Nooksack River
10 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 8 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 728 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Chum | 557 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2024 | Chum | 584 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 32 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2010 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,411 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2009 | Coho Salmon | 55,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2008 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2007 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,044 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,301 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,044 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 60,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 40,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,712 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,245 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2000 | Chum | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 803 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 100,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 1999 | Chum | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,115 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 110,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 120,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 42,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Fishtrap Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Fishtrap Creek was last stocked June 12, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fishtrap Creek?
Fishtrap Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, and Chum.
What time of year is Fishtrap Creek stocked?
Fishtrap Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in June.
How often is Fishtrap Creek stocked?
Fishtrap Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 40 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Fishtrap Creek?
About 951,379 fish have been stocked in Fishtrap Creek across 40 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fishtrap 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 Fishtrap Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Fishtrap 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.