Sultan River Fish Stocking
Snohomish County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sultan River was last stocked April 23, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Sultan River has 79 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 622,259 fish stocked over that period.
When Sultan River is stocked
Sultan River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 41 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sultan River
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Snohomish County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sultan 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 Sultan River was last stocked April 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 Sultan 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).
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Sultan 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 Sultan River, freshest activity first.
Wallace River
1 miSnohomish County · 4 species · 360 records
Last stocked June 2026
King Lake
6 miPend Oreille County · 1 species · 46 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wagner Lake
5 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 47 records
Last stocked April 2026
Winters Creek
3 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lost Lake
6 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 28 records
Last stocked March 2026
Elwell Creek
2 miSnohomish County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked January 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 232 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 475 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 10 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 497 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 98 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 496 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 249 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 146 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 470 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 180 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 26, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 107 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 186 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 237 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2009 | Steelhead | 27,936 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2009 | Steelhead | 15,675 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Steelhead | 25,014 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Steelhead | 30,562 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2007 | Steelhead | 15,073 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2007 | Steelhead | 28,362 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Steelhead | 20,330 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Steelhead | 15,660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Steelhead | 20,340 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2005 | Steelhead | 20,270 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Steelhead | 20,447 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 79 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Sultan River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Sultan River was last stocked April 23, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Sultan River?
Sultan River is stocked with Coho Salmon and Steelhead.
What time of year is Sultan River stocked?
Sultan River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Sultan River stocked?
Sultan River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 79 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Sultan River?
About 622,259 fish have been stocked in Sultan River across 79 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sultan 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 Sultan River?
Freshly stocked trout in Sultan 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.