Lake Whatcom Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Whatcom was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Kokanee. Lake Whatcom has 1,226 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 151,287,125 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Whatcom is stocked
Lake Whatcom is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 241 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Whatcom
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 Lake Whatcom, 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 Whatcom was last stocked May 1, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Lake Whatcom:
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).
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 Whatcom
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Whatcom, freshest activity first.
Whatcom Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Squalicum Lake
4 miWhatcom County · 5 species · 53 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Padden
6 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Toad Lake
4 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cain Lake
6 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Samish Lake
5 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked November 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Kokanee | 293,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2026 | Kokanee | 640,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2026 | Kokanee | 240,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2026 | Kokanee | 640,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2026 | Kokanee | 160,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2026 | Kokanee | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2026 | Kokanee | 160,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2025 | Kokanee | 547,665 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2025 | Kokanee | 440,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2025 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2025 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2025 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2025 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2025 | Kokanee | 330,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2025 | Kokanee | 330,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2025 | Kokanee | 210,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2025 | Kokanee | 210,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2025 | Kokanee | 420,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2025 | Kokanee | 420,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 2025 | Kokanee | 210,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2024 | Kokanee | 475,490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2024 | Kokanee | 432,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2024 | Kokanee | 108,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2024 | Kokanee | 432,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Kokanee | 432,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2024 | Kokanee | 216,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Kokanee | 1,336,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2023 | Kokanee | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2023 | Kokanee | 440,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Kokanee | 110,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Whatcom last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Lake Whatcom was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Whatcom?
Lake Whatcom is stocked with Kokanee.
What time of year is Lake Whatcom stocked?
Lake Whatcom is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Lake Whatcom stocked?
Lake Whatcom has been stocked about 38 times a year — 1,226 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Whatcom?
About 151,287,125 fish have been stocked in Lake Whatcom across 1,226 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Whatcom?
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.