Squalicum Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Squalicum Creek was last stocked March 23, 2026 with Chum. Squalicum Creek has 56 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 2,174,155 fish stocked over that period.
When Squalicum Creek is stocked
Squalicum Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Squalicum 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 Squalicum 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 Squalicum Creek was last stocked March 23, 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 Squalicum 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.
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 Squalicum 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.
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 Squalicum Creek, freshest activity first.
Whatcom Creek
1 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Whatcom
8 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 1226 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
5 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Squalicum Lake
8 miWhatcom County · 5 species · 53 records
Last stocked April 2026
Toad Lake
5 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Schell Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2026 | Chum | 1,728 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2025 | Chum | 282 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2025 | Chum | 268 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2025 | Chum | 290 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Chum | 296 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2025 | Chum | 287 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 2024 | Chum | 2,021 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2023 | Chum | 271 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2023 | Chum | 148 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2023 | Chum | 270 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2023 | Chum | 284 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2023 | Chum | 221 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2022 | Chum | 289 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2022 | Chum | 389 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2022 | Chum | 277 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2021 | Chum | 232 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2021 | Chum | 264 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2020 | Chum | 577 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2019 | Chum | 297 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2018 | Chum | 292 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2017 | Chum | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2017 | Chum | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2003 | Coho Salmon | 4,807 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 145,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1999 | Chum | 89,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 22,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 23,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 1999 | Chum | 340,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 563 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 505 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 9,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 11,460 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 9,168 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 11,460 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 12,880 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 1998 | Chum | 209,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 1998 | Chum | 206,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 4,262 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 10,655 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 10,655 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 8,524 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 10,655 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 8,524 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 3, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 10,655 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 1997 | Coho Salmon | 25,891 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 1997 | Coho Salmon | 20,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1997 | Chum | 40,930 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1996 | Chum | 400,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 1996 | Chum | 400,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 5,319 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 56 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Squalicum Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Squalicum Creek was last stocked March 23, 2026 with Chum.
What fish species are stocked in Squalicum Creek?
Squalicum Creek is stocked with Chum, Coho Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Squalicum Creek stocked?
Squalicum Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Squalicum Creek stocked?
Squalicum Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 56 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Squalicum Creek?
About 2,174,155 fish have been stocked in Squalicum Creek across 56 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Squalicum 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 Squalicum Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Squalicum 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.