White River Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2022 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, White River was last stocked April 5, 2022 with Coho Salmon. White River has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2022, with about 167,726 fish stocked over that period.
When White River is stocked
White River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for White River
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 White River, 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 White River was last stocked April 5, 2022, 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 White River:
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).
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for White River
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 White River, freshest activity first.
Bradley Lake
3 miPierce County · 3 species · 180 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Tapps
5 miPierce County · 3 species · 41 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Killarney
6 miKing County · 2 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fivemile Lake
5 miKing County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clarks Creek
4 miPierce County · 3 species · 91 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swan Creek
7 miPierce County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 2022 | Coho Salmon | 97 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 7, 2016 | Coho Salmon | 230 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 30, 2015 | Coho Salmon | 235 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 31, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 25, 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2011 | Chinook Salmon | 240 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2002 | Steelhead | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2001 | Steelhead | 21,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 96 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Steelhead | 11,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Steelhead | 8,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1999 | Steelhead | 4,750 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1999 | Steelhead | 13,460 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1998 | Steelhead | 19,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1997 | Steelhead | 11,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1997 | Steelhead | 7,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1996 | Steelhead | 24,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Steelhead | 7,838 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1995 | Steelhead | 17,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was White River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, White River was last stocked April 5, 2022 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in White River?
White River is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead.
What time of year is White River stocked?
White River is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is White River stocked?
White River is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in White River?
About 167,726 fish have been stocked in White River across 19 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish White River?
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 White River?
Freshly stocked trout in White River 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.