Stearns Creek Fish Stocking
Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Stearns Creek was last stocked February 16, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Stearns Creek has 64 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 1,088,050 fish stocked over that period.
When Stearns Creek is stocked
Stearns Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stearns Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Stearns 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 Stearns Creek was last stocked February 16, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Stearns Creek:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Stearns Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Stearns Creek, freshest activity first.
Plummer Lake
6 miLewis County · 1 species · 43 records
Last stocked March 2026
Coal Creek
4 miKing County · 1 species · 34 records
Last stocked February 2026
Newaukum River Nf23.0887
2 mi2 species · 35 records
Last stocked February 2026
Newaukum River
2 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2024
Tapp Creek
6 mi1 species · 31 records
Last stocked February 2024
Coal Creek
4 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked February 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 18, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 14, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 14, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 14, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 48,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 13, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 65,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 24, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 20, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 36,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 10, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 48,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 10, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 45,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 3, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 45,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 20, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 48,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 17,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2010 | Coho Salmon | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2010 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2009 | Coho Salmon | 16,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2008 | Coho Salmon | 45,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2007 | Coho Salmon | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2007 | Coho Salmon | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2005 | Coho Salmon | 45,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2004 | Coho Salmon | 45,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 1,275 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 1,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 2,150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 2,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 1,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 2,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 3,850 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 44,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1999 | Coho Salmon | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 1,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 1,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 1,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 2,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 5,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 64 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Stearns Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Stearns Creek was last stocked February 16, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Stearns Creek?
Stearns Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Stearns Creek stocked?
Stearns Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Stearns Creek stocked?
Stearns Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 64 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Stearns Creek?
About 1,088,050 fish have been stocked in Stearns Creek across 64 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stearns 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.