Johnson Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Creek was last stocked March 23, 2026 with Chum. Johnson Creek has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 12,325 fish stocked over that period.
When Johnson Creek is stocked
Johnson Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson Creek was last stocked March 23, 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 Johnson 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.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Johnson 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Johnson Creek, freshest activity first.
Bean Creek
0 miPacific County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cement Creek
2 miPacific County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 2026
Deep River
4 mi2 species · 170 records
Last stocked April 2025
Johnson Creek
0 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked March 2025
Johnson Creek
0 miPacific County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked March 2024
Johnson Creek
0 miPacific County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked January 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2026 | Chum | 238 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 530 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 699 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 548 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 584 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,095 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,111 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Johnson Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Creek was last stocked March 23, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Johnson Creek?
Johnson Creek is stocked with Chum and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Johnson Creek stocked?
Johnson Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Johnson Creek stocked?
Johnson Creek is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Johnson Creek?
About 12,325 fish have been stocked in Johnson Creek across 18 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Johnson 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 Johnson Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Johnson 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.