Samish River Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 1995–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Samish River was last stocked May 23, 2025 with Chinook Salmon. Samish River has 82 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2025, with about 46,304,974 fish stocked over that period.
When Samish River is stocked
Samish River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 57 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Samish River
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 Samish 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 Samish River was last stocked May 23, 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 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).
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Samish 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 Samish River, freshest activity first.
Friday Creek
6 miSkagit County · 2 species · 236 records
Last stocked May 2026
Samish Lake
8 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked November 2025
Squires Lake
8 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2018
Mud Lake
7 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2016
Fragrance Lake
7 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2014
Indian Slough
6 miSkagit County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked February 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 1,310,647 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 160,786 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 161,980 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 427,311 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 548,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 102,112 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 1,277,562 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 102,026 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2022 | Chinook Salmon | 1,508,885 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2020 | Chinook Salmon | 1,807,978 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2019 | Chinook Salmon | 916,011 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2019 | Chinook Salmon | 968,738 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Chinook Salmon | 466,725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2016 | Chinook Salmon | 294,318 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2016 | Chinook Salmon | 485,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2016 | Chinook Salmon | 485,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2015 | Chinook Salmon | 285,895 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2015 | Chinook Salmon | 474,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2015 | Chinook Salmon | 474,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2014 | Chinook Salmon | 1,347,762 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 482,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 406,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 416,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Chinook Salmon | 959,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2011 | Chinook Salmon | 1,134,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 1,000,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 1,490,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 205,553 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 204,045 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 730,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2010 | Chinook Salmon | 530,402 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2009 | Chinook Salmon | 663,180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2008 | Steelhead | 34,808 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Chinook Salmon | 1,526,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2007 | Chinook Salmon | 634,826 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 981,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2006 | Steelhead | 10,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2006 | Steelhead | 14,853 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2006 | Steelhead | 14,671 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Steelhead | 11,975 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Chinook Salmon | 116,896 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Chinook Salmon | 1,506,660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2005 | Steelhead | 23,237 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2004 | Steelhead | 35,092 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2004 | Chinook Salmon | 1,557,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2004 | Chinook Salmon | 65,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2003 | Chinook Salmon | 1,417,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2003 | Chum | 130,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2002 | Chum | 801,450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2002 | Chum | 682,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 82 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Samish River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Samish River was last stocked May 23, 2025 with Chinook Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Samish River?
Samish River is stocked with Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Chum, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Samish River stocked?
Samish River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Samish River stocked?
Samish River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 82 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Samish River?
About 46,304,974 fish have been stocked in Samish River across 82 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Samish 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 Samish River?
Freshly stocked trout in Samish 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.