Toutle River South Fork Fish Stocking
Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Toutle River South Fork was last stocked April 23, 2026 with Steelhead. Toutle River South Fork has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 667,566 fish stocked over that period.
When Toutle River South Fork is stocked
Toutle River South Fork is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 33 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Toutle River South Fork
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 Toutle River South Fork, 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 Toutle River South Fork 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 Toutle River South Fork:
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.
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Recommended Tackle for Toutle River South Fork
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.
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 Toutle River South Fork, freshest activity first.
Olequa Creek
4 mi3 species · 26 records
Last stocked February 2026
Silver Lake
6 miCowlitz County · 1 species · 102 records
Last stocked January 2026
Delameter Creek
3 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked March 2020
Arkansas Creek
3 miCowlitz County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked January 2018
Bill Creek
10 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked January 2017
Leckler Creek
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked February 2015
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2026 | Steelhead | 24,230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2025 | Steelhead | 20,380 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2024 | Steelhead | 20,486 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Steelhead | 20,358 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2022 | Steelhead | 20,451 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2021 | Steelhead | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2020 | Steelhead | 20,358 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2019 | Steelhead | 19,928 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2018 | Steelhead | 19,843 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2018 | Steelhead | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2017 | Steelhead | 15,702 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2017 | Steelhead | 17,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2016 | Steelhead | 19,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2015 | Steelhead | 19,973 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2014 | Steelhead | 19,969 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2013 | Steelhead | 20,279 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2012 | Steelhead | 14,953 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2011 | Steelhead | 15,844 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2010 | Steelhead | 15,844 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2009 | Steelhead | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2008 | Steelhead | 24,971 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2007 | Steelhead | 24,977 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2006 | Steelhead | 24,970 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Steelhead | 24,966 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2004 | Steelhead | 24,976 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2003 | Steelhead | 23,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2002 | Steelhead | 24,906 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2001 | Steelhead | 11,880 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2000 | Steelhead | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1999 | Steelhead | 23,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1998 | Steelhead | 5,365 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1997 | Steelhead | 9,895 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1997 | Steelhead | 23,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Steelhead | 16,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1995 | Steelhead | 8,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Toutle River South Fork last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Toutle River South Fork was last stocked April 23, 2026 with Steelhead.
What fish species are stocked in Toutle River South Fork?
Toutle River South Fork is stocked with Steelhead.
What time of year is Toutle River South Fork stocked?
Toutle River South Fork is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Toutle River South Fork stocked?
Toutle River South Fork is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Toutle River South Fork?
About 667,566 fish have been stocked in Toutle River South Fork across 35 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Toutle River South Fork?
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 Toutle River South Fork?
Freshly stocked trout in Toutle River South Fork 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.