Sawmill Pond Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 2012–2022 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sawmill Pond was last stocked May 24, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Sawmill Pond has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 2012–2022, with about 2,065 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sawmill Pond
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Mason County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sawmill Pond, 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 Sawmill Pond was last stocked May 24, 2022, 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 Sawmill Pond:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Sawmill Pond
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 Sawmill Pond, freshest activity first.
American Lake
5 miPierce County · 5 species · 369 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Louise
7 miPierce County · 1 species · 69 records
Last stocked June 2026
Thompson Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2026
Florence Lake
7 miPierce County · 2 species · 34 records
Last stocked April 2025
Nisqually River
4 miPierce County · 2 species · 11 records
Last stocked March 2025
Carter Lake
7 miPierce County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 465 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Sawmill Pond last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sawmill Pond was last stocked May 24, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sawmill Pond?
Sawmill Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Sawmill Pond stocked?
Sawmill Pond is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 2012 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Sawmill Pond?
About 2,065 fish have been stocked in Sawmill Pond across 5 recorded events since 2012, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sawmill Pond?
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 Sawmill Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Sawmill Pond 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.