Satsop River Fish Stocking
Grays Harbor County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Satsop River was last stocked April 17, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Satsop River has 25 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 3,231,005 fish stocked over that period.
When Satsop River is stocked
Satsop River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Satsop River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Grays Harbor County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Satsop 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 Satsop River was last stocked April 17, 2026, 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 Satsop 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.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Recommended Tackle for Satsop 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 Satsop River, freshest activity first.
Sylvia Creek
6 miGrays Harbor County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sylvia Lake
5 miGrays Harbor County · 3 species · 347 records
Last stocked June 2026
Stevens Creek
4 miGrays Harbor County · 4 species · 250 records
Last stocked June 2026
Satsop River East Fork
0 miGrays Harbor County · 5 species · 349 records
Last stocked May 2026
Vance Creek
0 miMason County · 4 species · 18 records
Last stocked April 2026
Wynoochee River
6 miGrays Harbor County · 3 species · 397 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 500,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2026 | Chum | 225,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2025 | Chum | 200,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 425 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2023 | Chum | 220,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 500,580 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 209,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 17 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2016 | Chum | 152,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 1,230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 1,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2009 | Coho Salmon | 1,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 780 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Coho Salmon | 1,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1996 | Chinook Salmon | 320,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 55,914 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 424,273 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1995 | Chinook Salmon | 391,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,003 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Steelhead | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Satsop River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Satsop River was last stocked April 17, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Satsop River?
Satsop River is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chum, Chinook Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, and Steelhead.
What time of year is Satsop River stocked?
Satsop River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Satsop River stocked?
Satsop River is stocked intermittently — 25 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Satsop River?
About 3,231,005 fish have been stocked in Satsop River across 25 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Satsop 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 Satsop River?
Freshly stocked trout in Satsop 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.