Shell Creek Fish Stocking
King County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Shell Creek was last stocked April 2, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Shell Creek has 50 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 82,854 fish stocked over that period.
When Shell Creek is stocked
Shell Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shell Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in King County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Shell 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 Shell Creek was last stocked April 2, 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 Shell 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).
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 Shell 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.
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 Shell Creek, freshest activity first.
Martha Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 3 species · 112 records
Last stocked May 2026
Martha Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 4 species · 104 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bitter Lake
7 miKing County · 2 species · 37 records
Last stocked April 2026
Haller Lake
7 miKing County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stickney Lake
7 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 40 records
Last stocked April 2026
Boeing Creek
5 miKing County · 1 species · 39 records
Last stocked January 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 188 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 104 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2025 | Chum | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 155 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 239 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 12 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 7, 2023 | Chum | 13,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 2,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2022 | Chum | 11,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 220 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 5, 2022 | Chum | 1,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 12, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 12, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2021 | Chum | 9,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 9, 2021 | Chum | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 23, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 1,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 175 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 247 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 2020 | Chum | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 17, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 15, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 1,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 265 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 51 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 195 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 247 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 95 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 242 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 338 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 221 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Shell Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Shell Creek was last stocked April 2, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Shell Creek?
Shell Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon and Chum.
What time of year is Shell Creek stocked?
Shell Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Shell Creek stocked?
Shell Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 50 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Shell Creek?
About 82,854 fish have been stocked in Shell Creek across 50 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shell 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.