Lake Campbell Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Campbell was last stocked June 9, 2026 with Channel Catfish. Lake Campbell has 106 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 652,263 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Campbell is stocked
Lake Campbell is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Campbell
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skagit County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Campbell, 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 Lake Campbell was last stocked June 9, 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 Lake Campbell:
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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
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 Lake Campbell
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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Lake Campbell, freshest activity first.
Friday Creek
15 miSkagit County · 2 species · 236 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Erie
2 miSkagit County · 2 species · 106 records
Last stocked April 2026
Hummel Lake
14 miSan Juan County · 2 species · 38 records
Last stocked March 2026
Skagit River
12 miSkagit County · 4 species · 68 records
Last stocked January 2026
Pass Lake
2 miSkagit County · 3 species · 78 records
Last stocked November 2025
Samish River
11 miSkagit County · 4 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2026 | Channel Catfish | 2,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 921 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,215 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 7,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2025 | Channel Catfish | 2,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,330 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2024 | Channel Catfish | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 579 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 7,425 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 17, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,390 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,485 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 525 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 24, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,554 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 921 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 533 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 330 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 11, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 9,709 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 106 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Campbell last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Campbell was last stocked June 9, 2026 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Campbell?
Lake Campbell is stocked with Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Steelhead.
What time of year is Lake Campbell stocked?
Lake Campbell is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Lake Campbell stocked?
Lake Campbell has been stocked about 3 times a year — 106 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Campbell?
About 652,263 fish have been stocked in Lake Campbell across 106 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Campbell?
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 Lake Campbell?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Campbell 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.