Skagit River Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Skagit River was last stocked January 6, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Skagit River has 68 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 4,092,849 fish stocked over that period.
When Skagit River is stocked
Skagit River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 35 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Skagit 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 Skagit 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 Skagit River was last stocked January 6, 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 Skagit 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 Skagit 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 Skagit River, freshest activity first.
Lake Campbell
12 miSkagit County · 4 species · 106 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Ketchum
7 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2026
Friday Creek
11 miSkagit County · 2 species · 236 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sixteen Lake
5 miSkagit County · 1 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Mcmurray
8 miSkagit County · 2 species · 119 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stillaguamish River North Fork
10 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 160 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 14,465 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Chum | 17,832 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Chum | 1,117 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Chum | 18,054 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2024 | Chum | 39,347 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2024 | Chum | 43,734 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Chum | 243,142 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2023 | Chum | 204,454 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 2022 | Chum | 25,251 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2022 | Chum | 26,841 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2021 | Chum | 195,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 56,596 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 3 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 252 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 43,287 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 45,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2008 | Chinook Salmon | 217,940 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2008 | Chinook Salmon | 3,271 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2008 | Coho Salmon | 44,374 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 205,170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 5,473 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2005 | Chinook Salmon | 192,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2004 | Chinook Salmon | 230,593 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2003 | Chinook Salmon | 200,202 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Chinook Salmon | 1,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2003 | Chinook Salmon | 598 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2002 | Chinook Salmon | 190,058 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2001 | Chinook Salmon | 205,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2001 | Steelhead | 56,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2000 | Steelhead | 48,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2000 | Steelhead | 13,725 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2000 | Steelhead | 8,684 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1999 | Chinook Salmon | 2,534 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Chinook Salmon | 7,537 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Chinook Salmon | 25,969 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Chinook Salmon | 215,151 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1999 | Steelhead | 29,875 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1999 | Steelhead | 16,185 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1999 | Steelhead | 34,028 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1999 | Steelhead | 44,950 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1998 | Chinook Salmon | 202,136 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1998 | Steelhead | 101,360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1998 | Steelhead | 13,335 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1998 | Chinook Salmon | 9,559 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1998 | Steelhead | 34,650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1998 | Steelhead | 31,255 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1998 | Steelhead | 29,616 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Steelhead | 14,784 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 68 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Skagit River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Skagit River was last stocked January 6, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Skagit River?
Skagit River is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chum, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead.
What time of year is Skagit River stocked?
Skagit River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Skagit River stocked?
Skagit River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 68 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Skagit River?
About 4,092,849 fish have been stocked in Skagit River across 68 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Skagit 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 Skagit River?
Freshly stocked trout in Skagit 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.