Swan Creek Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swan Creek was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Coho Salmon. Swan Creek has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 11,518 fish stocked over that period.
When Swan Creek is stocked
Swan Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swan Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Swan 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 Swan Creek was last stocked May 1, 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 Swan 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.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Recommended Tackle for Swan 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 Swan Creek, freshest activity first.
Wapato Lake
4 miPierce County · 1 species · 68 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Killarney
6 miKing County · 2 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fivemile Lake
6 miKing County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clarks Creek
3 miPierce County · 3 species · 91 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hylebos Creek
4 miPierce County · 1 species · 84 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Geneva
7 miKing County · 2 species · 63 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Coho Salmon | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2026 | Chum | 3,649 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2024 | Chum | 2,388 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 296 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 183 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 205 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 219 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 40 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 13, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 562 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 1,151 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 140 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2020 | Coho Salmon | 114 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 91 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 7 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 45 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 221 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 1, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1995 | Coho Salmon | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Swan Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swan Creek was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Swan Creek?
Swan Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon and Chum.
What time of year is Swan Creek stocked?
Swan Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Swan Creek stocked?
Swan Creek is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Swan Creek?
About 11,518 fish have been stocked in Swan Creek across 28 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swan 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.