Thompson Creek Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 2023–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Creek was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Chinook Salmon. Thompson Creek has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 2023–2026, with about 960,662 fish stocked over that period.
When Thompson Creek is stocked
Thompson Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thompson 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 Thompson 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 Thompson Creek was last stocked May 5, 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 Thompson 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).
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Thompson 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 Thompson Creek, freshest activity first.
Longs Pond
8 miThurston County · 2 species · 180 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pattison Lake
7 miThurston County · 4 species · 229 records
Last stocked April 2026
Long Lake
7 miThurston County · 6 species · 286 records
Last stocked April 2026
Hicks Lake
8 miThurston County · 4 species · 172 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lacamas Creek
9 miClark County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked December 2024
Sawmill Pond
6 miMason County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 53,266 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 99,539 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 68,620 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 71,558 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 60,548 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 89,066 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 119,230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 45,917 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 20,215 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 46,928 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 26,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 52,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 103,225 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 104,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Thompson Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Creek was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Chinook Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Thompson Creek?
Thompson Creek is stocked with Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Thompson Creek stocked?
Thompson Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Thompson Creek stocked?
Thompson Creek has been stocked about 4 times a year — 14 recorded stockings between 2023 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Thompson Creek?
About 960,662 fish have been stocked in Thompson Creek across 14 recorded events since 2023, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thompson 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.