Mitchell Creek Fish Stocking
Thurston County, Washington · 2013–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mitchell Creek was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Mitchell Creek has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 2013–2026, with about 471,272 fish stocked over that period.
When Mitchell Creek is stocked
Mitchell Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mitchell Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Thurston County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Mitchell 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 Mitchell Creek was last stocked May 12, 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 Mitchell Creek:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Mitchell Creek
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 Mitchell Creek, freshest activity first.
Salmon Creek
8 mi4 species · 300 records
Last stocked April 2026
Salmon Creek
8 miOkanogan County · 1 species · 57 records
Last stocked April 2025
Alder Creek
1 miGrays Harbor County · 2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2019
Grays River West Fork
1 mi4 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2018
Salmon Creek
8 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2014
Alder Creek
1 miGrays Harbor County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 46,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 22,892 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 20,878 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 23,333 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 27,667 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 58,759 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 26,752 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 28,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 25,636 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 10,242 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 6,715 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 12,074 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 37,580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 24,244 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Mitchell Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mitchell Creek was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Mitchell Creek?
Mitchell Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Mitchell Creek stocked?
Mitchell Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Mitchell Creek stocked?
Mitchell Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 17 recorded stockings between 2013 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Mitchell Creek?
About 471,272 fish have been stocked in Mitchell Creek across 17 recorded events since 2013, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mitchell 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.