Smith Creek Fish Stocking
Pacific County, Washington · 1998–2012 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Smith Creek was last stocked April 7, 2012 with Steelhead. Smith Creek has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1998–2012, with about 153,900 fish stocked over that period.
When Smith Creek is stocked
Smith Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smith Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pacific County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Smith 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 Smith Creek was last stocked April 7, 2012, 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 Smith Creek:
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.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Smith Creek
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 Smith Creek, freshest activity first.
Salmon Creek
6 mi3 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2023
Salmon Creek
6 miPacific County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked January 2019
Salmon Creek
6 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2014
Salmon Creek
6 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked March 2014
Salmon Creek
6 miKing County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked January 2013
Salmon Creek
6 miJefferson County · 2 species · 25 records
Last stocked November 2009
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 7, 2012 | Steelhead | 12,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2011 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2010 | Steelhead | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2009 | Steelhead | 11,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2008 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2007 | Steelhead | 10,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2006 | Steelhead | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Steelhead | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2004 | Steelhead | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2003 | Steelhead | 12,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2002 | Steelhead | 7,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2002 | Steelhead | 2,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2001 | Steelhead | 9,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1998 | Steelhead | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Smith Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Smith Creek was last stocked April 7, 2012 with Steelhead.
What fish species are stocked in Smith Creek?
Smith Creek is stocked with Steelhead.
What time of year is Smith Creek stocked?
Smith Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Smith Creek stocked?
Smith Creek is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1998 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Smith Creek?
About 153,900 fish have been stocked in Smith Creek across 15 recorded events since 1998, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smith 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Smith Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Smith Creek 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.