Padden Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 2008–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Padden Creek was last stocked March 24, 2026 with Chum. Padden Creek has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 2008–2026, with about 46,022 fish stocked over that period.
When Padden Creek is stocked
Padden Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Padden Creek
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 Padden 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 Padden Creek was last stocked March 24, 2026, 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 Padden 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).
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Padden 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.
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 Padden Creek, freshest activity first.
Whatcom Creek
2 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Whatcom
7 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 1226 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
3 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Toad Lake
7 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Nooksack River
6 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 8 records
Last stocked March 2026
Squalicum Creek
3 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 56 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 24, 2026 | Chum | 844 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2025 | Chum | 263 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2025 | Chum | 281 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Chum | 282 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2024 | Chum | 940 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2023 | Chum | 330 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2023 | Chum | 282 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2023 | Chum | 292 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2022 | Chum | 287 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2022 | Chum | 288 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2022 | Chum | 332 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2020 | Chum | 752 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2019 | Chum | 283 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2018 | Chum | 266 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2017 | Chum | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2014 | Kokanee | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2008 | Kokanee | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Padden Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Padden Creek was last stocked March 24, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Padden Creek?
Padden Creek is stocked with Chum and Kokanee.
What time of year is Padden Creek stocked?
Padden Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Padden Creek stocked?
Padden Creek is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 2008 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Padden Creek?
About 46,022 fish have been stocked in Padden Creek across 17 recorded events since 2008, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Padden 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.