North River Fish Stocking
Pacific County, Washington · 1996–2023 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, North River was last stocked June 12, 2023 with Coho Salmon. North River has 64 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2023, with about 7,061,598 fish stocked over that period.
When North River is stocked
North River is typically stocked in winter and spring, most often in February — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pacific County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into North 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 North River was last stocked June 12, 2023, 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 North River:
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.
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 North River
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.
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.
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 North River, freshest activity first.
Cedar River
4 miKing County · 2 species · 1310 records
Last stocked May 2026
Elk Creek
9 miPacific County · 3 species · 15 records
Last stocked March 2026
Hansen Creek
5 miSkagit County · 1 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 2024
Willapa River
3 miPacific County · 3 species · 39 records
Last stocked March 2021
Leadbetter Lake
9 miPend Oreille County · 2 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 2020
South Bend City Pond
8 miPacific County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 95,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2023 | Chum | 77,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 284,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2021 | Steelhead | 9,950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 290,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Steelhead | 9,980 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2019 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 12, 2019 | Chum | 156,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2018 | Steelhead | 9,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 4, 2018 | Chum | 72,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 4, 2018 | Chum | 63,775 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2017 | Steelhead | 9,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 7, 2016 | Chum | 71,354 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 10, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 270,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 19, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 300,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 7, 2015 | Chum | 84,308 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2015 | Steelhead | 9,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 9, 2015 | Chum | 33,825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2014 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2014 | Chum | 70,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 25, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 6, 2014 | Chum | 150,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 30, 2013 | Chum | 73,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2013 | Chum | 48,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 285,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 2013 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 5, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 300,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2012 | Chum | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2012 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2012 | Chum | 150,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2011 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 21, 2011 | Chum | 48,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 21, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 290,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2010 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2010 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2010 | Chum | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 12, 2009 | Coho Salmon | 280,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2009 | Chum | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2008 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 28, 2008 | Coho Salmon | 300,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2007 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 12, 2007 | Coho Salmon | 300,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 8, 2007 | Chum | 65,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2006 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2006 | Chum | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 19, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 200,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 64 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was North River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, North River was last stocked June 12, 2023 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in North River?
North River is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chum, and Steelhead.
What time of year is North River stocked?
North River is typically stocked in winter and spring, most often in February.
How often is North River stocked?
North River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 64 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in North River?
About 7,061,598 fish have been stocked in North River across 64 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in North River?
Freshly stocked trout in North River 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.