Pilchuck River Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1995–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pilchuck River was last stocked April 12, 2024 with Coho Salmon. Pilchuck River has 51 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2024, with about 431,793 fish stocked over that period.
When Pilchuck River is stocked
Pilchuck River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pilchuck River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Pilchuck 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 Pilchuck River was last stocked April 12, 2024, 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 Pilchuck 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.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Pilchuck 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 Pilchuck River, freshest activity first.
Flowing Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 149 records
Last stocked May 2026
Chain Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Stevens
7 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 171 records
Last stocked April 2026
Skykomish River
5 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 126 records
Last stocked April 2026
Storm Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 105 records
Last stocked April 2026
Blackmans Lake
2 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 157 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 9,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 3,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2009 | Steelhead | 31,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Steelhead | 25,314 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2007 | Steelhead | 35,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2006 | Steelhead | 28,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2005 | Steelhead | 25,108 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2005 | Coho Salmon | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Steelhead | 28,316 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2003 | Steelhead | 5,475 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2003 | Steelhead | 19,525 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2002 | Steelhead | 4,590 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Steelhead | 5,597 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Steelhead | 4,779 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Steelhead | 10,530 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2001 | Steelhead | 5,229 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2001 | Steelhead | 4,927 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2001 | Steelhead | 5,159 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2001 | Steelhead | 13,720 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2000 | Steelhead | 13,907 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Steelhead | 5,151 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Steelhead | 4,975 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1999 | Steelhead | 1,554 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1999 | Steelhead | 3,159 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1999 | Steelhead | 3,868 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1999 | Steelhead | 1,903 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1999 | Steelhead | 3,843 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1999 | Steelhead | 1,890 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1999 | Steelhead | 14,995 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Steelhead | 2,279 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Steelhead | 2,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1998 | Steelhead | 2,915 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1998 | Steelhead | 2,385 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1998 | Steelhead | 4,661 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1998 | Steelhead | 5,697 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1997 | Steelhead | 2,898 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1997 | Steelhead | 1,932 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1997 | Steelhead | 4,756 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1997 | Steelhead | 2,088 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1997 | Steelhead | 3,132 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1996 | Steelhead | 4,725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1996 | Steelhead | 8,559 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1996 | Steelhead | 8,606 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1995 | Steelhead | 4,960 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Steelhead | 5,049 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 51 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Pilchuck River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pilchuck River was last stocked April 12, 2024 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Pilchuck River?
Pilchuck River is stocked with Coho Salmon and Steelhead.
What time of year is Pilchuck River stocked?
Pilchuck River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Pilchuck River stocked?
Pilchuck River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 51 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Pilchuck River?
About 431,793 fish have been stocked in Pilchuck River across 51 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pilchuck 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 Pilchuck River?
Freshly stocked trout in Pilchuck 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.