Squalicum Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Squalicum Lake was last stocked April 24, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Squalicum Lake has 53 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 184,616 fish stocked over that period.
When Squalicum Lake is stocked
Squalicum Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Squalicum Lake
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 Lake, 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 Lake was last stocked April 24, 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 Lake:
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).
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Squalicum Lake
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 Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Fazon
5 miWhatcom County · 5 species · 76 records
Last stocked June 2026
Nooksack Middle Fork
9 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 2026
Whatcom Creek
7 miWhatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Whatcom
4 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 1226 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Padden
8 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 185 records
Last stocked April 2026
Toad Lake
2 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 81 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,196 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 2,145 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 2,159 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 2,490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 3,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 668 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 123 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2014 | Tiger Trout | 2,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 178 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 4,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 3,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 178 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2012 | Tiger Trout | 3,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 178 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 8, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2009 | Tiger Trout | 2,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2008 | Brown Trout | 10,885 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2008 | Tiger Trout | 6,696 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2008 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 121 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 233 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 15, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 193 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2005 | Tiger Trout | 3,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 197 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2004 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 2002 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 2001 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 18, 2000 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1999 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 10, 1998 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 1997 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 16, 1996 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 53 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Squalicum Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Squalicum Lake was last stocked April 24, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Squalicum Lake?
Squalicum Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Squalicum Lake stocked?
Squalicum Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Squalicum Lake stocked?
Squalicum Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 53 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Squalicum Lake?
About 184,616 fish have been stocked in Squalicum Lake across 53 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Squalicum Lake?
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 Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Squalicum Lake 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.