Murray Creek Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2018 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Murray Creek was last stocked May 17, 2018 with Kokanee. Murray Creek has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2018, with about 1,051,140 fish stocked over that period.
When Murray Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Murray Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Murray 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 Murray Creek was last stocked May 17, 2018, 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 Murray 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).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Murray 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Murray Creek, freshest activity first.
American Lake
1 miPierce County · 5 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Louise
3 miPierce County · 1 species · 69 records
Last stocked June 2026
Chambers Creek
5 miPierce County · 4 species · 459 records
Last stocked May 2026
Steilacoom Lake
3 miPierce County · 3 species · 94 records
Last stocked April 2026
Carter Lake
2 miPierce County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Sawmill Pond
5 miMason County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2018 | Kokanee | 187,339 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2016 | Kokanee | 170,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2007 | Kokanee | 175,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2006 | Kokanee | 202,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2006 | Kokanee | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2005 | Kokanee | 198,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 35,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 58,201 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Murray Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Murray Creek was last stocked May 17, 2018 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Murray Creek?
Murray Creek is stocked with Kokanee and Coho Salmon.
How often is Murray Creek stocked?
Murray Creek is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2018.
How many fish have been stocked in Murray Creek?
About 1,051,140 fish have been stocked in Murray Creek across 8 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Murray 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.