Vance Creek Fish Stocking
Mason County, Washington · 2011–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Vance Creek was last stocked April 14, 2026 with Chinook Salmon. Vance Creek has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2026, with about 525,840 fish stocked over that period.
When Vance Creek is stocked
Vance Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Vance Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Mason County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Vance 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 Vance Creek was last stocked April 14, 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 Vance Creek:
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).
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Chum Salmon Profile Tips
A significant fall fishery in Washington's Puget Sound tributaries.
Recommended Tackle for Vance Creek
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Vance Creek, freshest activity first.
Sylvia Creek
6 miGrays Harbor County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sylvia Lake
6 miGrays Harbor County · 3 species · 347 records
Last stocked June 2026
Stevens Creek
4 miGrays Harbor County · 4 species · 250 records
Last stocked June 2026
Satsop River East Fork
0 miGrays Harbor County · 5 species · 349 records
Last stocked May 2026
Satsop River
0 miGrays Harbor County · 5 species · 25 records
Last stocked April 2026
Wynoochee River
7 miGrays Harbor County · 3 species · 397 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2026 | Chinook Salmon | 51,480 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2025 | Chinook Salmon | 52,059 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Chinook Salmon | 52,659 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2023 | Chinook Salmon | 53,126 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2022 | Chinook Salmon | 50,892 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2021 | Chinook Salmon | 53,716 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2020 | Chinook Salmon | 56,084 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2019 | Chinook Salmon | 50,473 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2018 | Chinook Salmon | 53,506 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2018 | Chum | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2017 | Chinook Salmon | 37,138 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Steelhead | 1,719 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2016 | Steelhead | 3,610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2016 | Chum | 220 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2015 | Steelhead | 1,825 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2015 | Steelhead | 6,683 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Chum | 220 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Vance Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Vance Creek was last stocked April 14, 2026 with Chinook Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Vance Creek?
Vance Creek is stocked with Chinook Salmon, Chum, Steelhead, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Vance Creek stocked?
Vance Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Vance Creek stocked?
Vance Creek is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Vance Creek?
About 525,840 fish have been stocked in Vance Creek across 18 recorded events since 2011, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Vance 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Vance Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Vance Creek 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.