Schell Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1997–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Schell Creek was last stocked March 31, 2026 with Chum. Schell Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2026, with about 42,103 fish stocked over that period.
When Schell Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Schell Creek
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 Schell 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 Schell Creek was last stocked March 31, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Schell Creek:
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).
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Schell Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Schell Creek, freshest activity first.
Fishtrap Creek
8 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 40 records
Last stocked June 2026
Whatcom Creek
8 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
11 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Toad Lake
11 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Terrell
5 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 90 records
Last stocked March 2026
Terrell Creek
9 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2026 | Chum | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 197 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Chum | 349 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2024 | Chum | 379 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 294 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 234 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2020 | Chum | 195 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1997 | Coho Salmon | 14,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Schell Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Schell Creek was last stocked March 31, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Schell Creek?
Schell Creek is stocked with Chum and Coho Salmon.
How often is Schell Creek stocked?
Schell Creek is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Schell Creek?
About 42,103 fish have been stocked in Schell Creek across 10 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Schell 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.