Nisqually River Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 2011–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Nisqually River was last stocked March 13, 2025 with Coho Salmon. Nisqually River has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2025, with about 26,644 fish stocked over that period.
When Nisqually River is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nisqually River
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 Nisqually River, 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 Nisqually River was last stocked March 13, 2025, 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 Nisqually River:
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.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Recommended Tackle for Nisqually River
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 Nisqually River, freshest activity first.
American Lake
7 miPierce County · 5 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Longs Pond
6 miThurston County · 2 species · 180 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lois Lake
6 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Long Lake
7 miThurston County · 6 species · 286 records
Last stocked April 2026
Woodland Creek
6 miThurston County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Florence Lake
4 miPierce County · 2 species · 34 records
Last stocked April 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 13, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 3,261 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 2,958 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 5,354 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 3,010 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 3,505 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 3,591 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 4,135 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2016 | Chum | 275 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2015 | Chum | 270 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2014 | Chum | 285 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2011 | Chum | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Nisqually River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Nisqually River was last stocked March 13, 2025 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Nisqually River?
Nisqually River is stocked with Coho Salmon and Chum.
How often is Nisqually River stocked?
Nisqually River is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Nisqually River?
About 26,644 fish have been stocked in Nisqually River across 11 recorded events since 2011, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nisqually River?
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.