Red Creek Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 2001–2013 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Red Creek was last stocked May 1, 2013 with Rainbow Trout. Red Creek has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 2001–2013, with about 163,240 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Red Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skagit County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Red 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 Red Creek was last stocked May 1, 2013, 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 Red Creek:
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).
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.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Red Creek
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Red Creek, freshest activity first.
Wilkeson Creek
6 miPierce County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Newaukum Creek
10 miKing County · 1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Boise Creek
3 miPierce County · 1 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fish Lake
8 miKing County · 3 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2026
Deep Lake
8 miKing County · 3 species · 58 records
Last stocked April 2026
Walker Lake
8 miKing County · 3 species · 57 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2001 | Chinook Salmon | 162,240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Red Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Red Creek was last stocked May 1, 2013 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Red Creek?
Red Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon.
How often is Red Creek stocked?
Red Creek is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 2001 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Red Creek?
About 163,240 fish have been stocked in Red Creek across 2 recorded events since 2001, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Red 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Red Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Red Creek 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.