Samish Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Samish Lake was last stocked November 10, 2025 with Kokanee. Samish Lake has 64 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 7,720,407 fish stocked over that period.
When Samish Lake is stocked
Samish Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Samish 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 Samish 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 Samish Lake was last stocked November 10, 2025, 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 Samish 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.
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).
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.
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 Samish 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.
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 Samish Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Whatcom
5 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 1226 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
4 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cain Lake
3 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Cedar Lake
3 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Pine Lake
3 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2021
Squires Lake
2 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 | Kokanee | 72,243 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 8, 2024 | Kokanee | 70,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2023 | Kokanee | 72,680 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2022 | Kokanee | 44,812 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 25, 2022 | Kokanee | 180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2021 | Kokanee | 72,545 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2020 | Kokanee | 52,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2020 | Kokanee | 32,940 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 6, 2019 | Kokanee | 25,267 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2019 | Kokanee | 68,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2019 | Kokanee | 300,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2019 | Kokanee | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2018 | Kokanee | 40,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2018 | Kokanee | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2018 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2017 | Kokanee | 19,170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2017 | Kokanee | 40,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2017 | Kokanee | 285 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2016 | Kokanee | 16,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2016 | Kokanee | 23,925 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2016 | Kokanee | 46,725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2016 | Kokanee | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2015 | Kokanee | 75,442 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2014 | Kokanee | 70,890 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2013 | Kokanee | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2013 | Kokanee | 70,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 7, 2012 | Kokanee | 70,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 92,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2009 | Kokanee | 265,104 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2009 | Kokanee | 408,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2008 | Kokanee | 76,310 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2008 | Kokanee | 110,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Kokanee | 139,359 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2008 | Kokanee | 139,359 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2007 | Kokanee | 285,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2007 | Kokanee | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2006 | Kokanee | 169,017 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2006 | Kokanee | 147,288 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Kokanee | 124,429 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2005 | Kokanee | 33,704 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2005 | Kokanee | 291,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2005 | Kokanee | 312,834 | 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 Samish Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Samish Lake was last stocked November 10, 2025 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Samish Lake?
Samish Lake is stocked with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Samish Lake stocked?
Samish Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October.
How often is Samish Lake stocked?
Samish Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 64 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Samish Lake?
About 7,720,407 fish have been stocked in Samish Lake across 64 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Samish 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 Samish Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Samish 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.