Lake Sammamish Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1998–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Sammamish was last stocked March 26, 2024 with Coho Salmon. Lake Sammamish has 25 stocking records on file, spanning 1998–2024, with about 17,769 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Sammamish is stocked
Lake Sammamish is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Sammamish
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in King County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Sammamish, 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 Sammamish was last stocked March 26, 2024, 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 Sammamish:
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).
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Sammamish
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 Lake Sammamish, freshest activity first.
Lake Boren
6 miKing County · 1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Issaquah Creek
3 miKing County · 4 species · 520 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pine Lake
2 miKing County · 4 species · 105 records
Last stocked April 2026
Ebright Creek
1 miKing County · 1 species · 27 records
Last stocked March 2023
Pine Lake Creek
1 miKing County · 2 species · 2 records
Last stocked February 2023
Zackuse Creek
1 miKing County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked February 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 947 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2023 | Kokanee | 1,369 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 292 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2022 | Kokanee | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2022 | Kokanee | 1,712 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2022 | Kokanee | 1,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 23, 2021 | Kokanee | 45 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 17 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 13, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 448 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 13, 2020 | Kokanee | 952 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2019 | Kokanee | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2019 | Kokanee | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 56 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 138 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 144 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 196 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 2019 | Kokanee | 431 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 16, 2019 | Kokanee | 836 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 93 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,140 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Sammamish last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Sammamish was last stocked March 26, 2024 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Sammamish?
Lake Sammamish is stocked with Coho Salmon, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Lake Sammamish stocked?
Lake Sammamish is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Lake Sammamish stocked?
Lake Sammamish is stocked intermittently — 25 recorded stockings between 1998 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Sammamish?
About 17,769 fish have been stocked in Lake Sammamish across 25 recorded events since 1998, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Sammamish?
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 Sammamish?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Sammamish 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.