Grays River Fish Stocking
Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Grays River was last stocked May 11, 2026 with Chinook Salmon. Grays River has 62 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 3,935,360 fish stocked over that period.
When Grays River is stocked
Grays River is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 33 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Grays River
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 Grays 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 Grays River was last stocked May 11, 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 Grays River:
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).
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Recommended Tackle for Grays River
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.
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 Grays River, freshest activity first.
Johnson Creek
5 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 18 records
Last stocked March 2026
Deep River
1 mi2 species · 170 records
Last stocked April 2025
Johnson Creek
5 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked March 2025
Johnson Creek
5 miPacific County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked March 2024
Johnson Creek
5 miPacific County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked January 2021
Campbell Creek
2 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked November 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 2,855 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2026 | Chum | 310 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2026 | Chum | 332 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2026 | Chum | 48,878 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2026 | Chum | 44,807 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2026 | Chum | 27,267 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2025 | Chum | 40,186 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2024 | Chum | 20,088 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 22, 2024 | Chum | 21,326 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2024 | Chum | 38,455 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2024 | Chum | 38,029 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2023 | Chum | 154,754 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2022 | Chum | 45,623 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2022 | Chum | 120,939 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2021 | Chum | 91,702 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2021 | Chum | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2021 | Chum | 95,261 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2020 | Chum | 45,825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2020 | Chum | 149,657 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2019 | Chum | 130,956 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2019 | Chum | 48,615 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2018 | Chum | 86,243 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2018 | Chum | 45,741 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2017 | Chum | 70,320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2017 | Chum | 61,033 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2016 | Chum | 69,729 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2016 | Chum | 71,542 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2015 | Chum | 78,817 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2015 | Chum | 113,339 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2014 | Chum | 99,822 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2014 | Chum | 51,745 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2013 | Chum | 98,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2013 | Chum | 59,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2012 | Chum | 102,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2012 | Chum | 104,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2011 | Chum | 250,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2010 | Chum | 122,527 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2009 | Chum | 102,914 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2008 | Chum | 19,480 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2008 | Chum | 7,759 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2008 | Chum | 50,370 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2007 | Chum | 61,742 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2007 | Chum | 67,685 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2006 | Chum | 24,325 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2006 | Chum | 101,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2006 | Chum | 29,676 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2005 | Chum | 158,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2005 | Chum | 98,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2005 | Chum | 65,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2004 | Chum | 4,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 62 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Grays River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Grays River was last stocked May 11, 2026 with Chinook Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Grays River?
Grays River is stocked with Chinook Salmon, Chum, and Steelhead.
What time of year is Grays River stocked?
Grays River is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Grays River stocked?
Grays River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 62 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Grays River?
About 3,935,360 fish have been stocked in Grays River across 62 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Grays 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Grays River?
Freshly stocked trout in Grays River 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.