National Mill Pond Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2017 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, National Mill Pond was last stocked August 15, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout. National Mill Pond has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2017, with about 1,852 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for National Mill Pond
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 National Mill Pond, 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 National Mill Pond was last stocked August 15, 2017, 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 National Mill Pond:
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.
Recommended Tackle for National Mill Pond
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 National Mill Pond, freshest activity first.
Goose Lake
14 miLewis County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2026
Mineral Lake
6 miLewis County · 3 species · 525 records
Last stocked July 2026
Alder Lake
9 miPierce County · 3 species · 113 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake George
8 miPierce County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2024
Fizrenken Lake
12 miLewis County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Watch Lake
13 miLewis County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 352 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was National Mill Pond last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, National Mill Pond was last stocked August 15, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in National Mill Pond?
National Mill Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is National Mill Pond stocked?
National Mill Pond is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in National Mill Pond?
About 1,852 fish have been stocked in National Mill Pond across 4 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish National Mill Pond?
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 National Mill Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in National Mill Pond 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.