Ward Creek Fish Stocking
Pacific County, Washington · 2023–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Ward Creek was last stocked April 15, 2025 with Coho Salmon. Ward Creek has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2023–2025, with about 128,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Ward Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ward Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pacific County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Ward 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 Ward Creek was last stocked April 15, 2025, 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 Ward 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 Ward 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Ward Creek, freshest activity first.
Fork Creek
9 miPacific County · 4 species · 561 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rue Creek West Fork
5 miPacific County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stringer Creek
6 miPacific County · 4 species · 42 records
Last stocked April 2026
Oxbow Creek
7 miPacific County · 2 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2026
Rue Creek
4 miPacific County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2026
Elk Creek
3 miPacific County · 3 species · 15 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2025 | Coho Salmon | 7,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2025 | Chum | 24,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2024 | Coho Salmon | 24,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2024 | Chum | 24,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2023 | Coho Salmon | 24,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 1, 2023 | Chum | 24,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Ward Creek last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Ward Creek was last stocked April 15, 2025 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Ward Creek?
Ward Creek is stocked with Coho Salmon and Chum.
How often is Ward Creek stocked?
Ward Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 6 recorded stockings between 2023 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Ward Creek?
About 128,500 fish have been stocked in Ward Creek across 6 recorded events since 2023, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ward 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.