Skokomish River Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Skokomish River was last stocked April 3, 2026 with Chum. Skokomish River has 84 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 19,472,636 fish stocked over that period.
When Skokomish River is stocked
Skokomish River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 34 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Skokomish River
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 Skokomish 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 Skokomish River was last stocked April 3, 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 Skokomish 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).
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Skokomish 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 Skokomish River, freshest activity first.
Lake Kokanee
6 miMason County · 3 species · 115 records
Last stocked July 2026
Finch Creek
5 miMason County · 4 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wildberry Lake
4 miMason County · 2 species · 61 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wood Lake
5 miMason County · 2 species · 61 records
Last stocked May 2026
Jiggs Lake
5 miMason County · 2 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2026
Emerald Lake Ponds
6 miMason County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2026 | Chum | 345 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2026 | Chum | 248 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2026 | Chum | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2025 | Chum | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2025 | Chum | 271 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2024 | Chum | 343 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2024 | Chum | 1,595,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2023 | Chum | 1,590,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20, 2023 | Chum | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 2023 | Chum | 1,075 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2023 | Chum | 121 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2022 | Chum | 244 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2022 | Chum | 227 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2022 | Chum | 91 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2021 | Chum | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2020 | Chinook Salmon | 855 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2020 | Chinook Salmon | 696 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2019 | Chum | 1,590,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2019 | Chum | 398 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2018 | Chum | 1,578,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2018 | Chum | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2018 | Chum | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2018 | Chum | 125 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2017 | Chum | 1,579,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2016 | Chum | 1,731,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2015 | Chum | 1,731,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2014 | Chum | 1,876,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2013 | Chum | 2,536,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2013 | Chum | 245 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2012 | Chum | 1,573,432 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2011 | Steelhead | 13,022 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2011 | Steelhead | 13,620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 4,839 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2010 | Steelhead | 10,234 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2010 | Steelhead | 10,245 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2010 | Steelhead | 20 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2010 | Steelhead | 30 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2010 | Coho Salmon | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2009 | Chinook Salmon | 374,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2008 | Chinook Salmon | 81,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2007 | Chinook Salmon | 9,367 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2007 | Chinook Salmon | 39,933 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2007 | Chinook Salmon | 57,810 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2007 | Chinook Salmon | 12,690 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 40,560 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 7,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 10,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2006 | Chinook Salmon | 59,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2005 | Chinook Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Chinook Salmon | 72,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 84 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Skokomish River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Skokomish River was last stocked April 3, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Skokomish River?
Skokomish River is stocked with Chum, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Skokomish River stocked?
Skokomish River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Skokomish River stocked?
Skokomish River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 84 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Skokomish River?
About 19,472,636 fish have been stocked in Skokomish River across 84 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Skokomish 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 Skokomish River?
Freshly stocked trout in Skokomish 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.