Mud Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2016 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mud Lake was last stocked September 11, 2016 with Cutthroat Trout. Mud Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2016, with about 2,492 fish stocked over that period.
When Mud Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mud Lake
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 Mud Lake, 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 Mud Lake was last stocked September 11, 2016, 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 Mud Lake:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Mud Lake
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 Mud Lake, freshest activity first.
Whatcom Creek
7 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
3 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cain Lake
6 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Padden Creek
5 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked March 2026
Samish Lake
3 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked November 2025
Cedar Lake
1 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 11, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 402 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Mud Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Mud Lake was last stocked September 11, 2016 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mud Lake?
Mud Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Mud Lake stocked?
Mud Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2016.
How many fish have been stocked in Mud Lake?
About 2,492 fish have been stocked in Mud Lake across 9 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mud Lake?
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 Mud Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Mud Lake 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.