Pine Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2021 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pine Lake was last stocked July 2, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout. Pine Lake has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2021, with about 10,380 fish stocked over that period.
When Pine Lake is stocked
Pine Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pine Lake
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 Pine Lake, 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 Pine Lake was last stocked July 2, 2021, 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 Pine Lake:
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.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Pine Lake
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 Pine Lake, freshest activity first.
Whatcom Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
2 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cain Lake
6 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Padden Creek
4 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked March 2026
Samish Lake
3 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked November 2025
Cedar Lake
0 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 23, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,030 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Pine Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Pine Lake was last stocked July 2, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pine Lake?
Pine Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Pine Lake stocked?
Pine Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Pine Lake stocked?
Pine Lake is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Pine Lake?
About 10,380 fish have been stocked in Pine Lake across 16 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pine Lake?
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 Pine Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pine Lake 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.