White Salmon Fish Stocking
Washington · 1995–2010 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, White Salmon was last stocked May 17, 2010 with Steelhead. White Salmon has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2010, with about 656,238 fish stocked over that period.
When White Salmon is stocked
White Salmon is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for White Salmon
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 White Salmon, 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 Salmon was last stocked May 17, 2010, 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 Salmon:
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).
Steelhead Profile Tips
A prized winter and spring fishery in both states, known for powerful, sustained fights.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for White Salmon
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 Salmon, freshest activity first.
Dobbs Creek
7 miThurston County · 1 species · 18 records
Last stocked December 2025
Shuksan Lake
8 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2025
Lake Ann
4 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2023
Rainbow Lake
7 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 2016
Pinus Lake
7 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 2015
Lake Ann
4 miChelan County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked October 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2010 | Steelhead | 23,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2010 | Steelhead | 20,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2009 | Steelhead | 23,995 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2009 | Steelhead | 20,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2008 | Steelhead | 7,391 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2008 | Steelhead | 17,874 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2008 | Steelhead | 7,052 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2008 | Steelhead | 14,568 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2007 | Steelhead | 23,512 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2007 | Steelhead | 23,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Steelhead | 5,003 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Steelhead | 21,007 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Steelhead | 21,809 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2005 | Steelhead | 12,623 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Steelhead | 7,805 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,490 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2004 | Steelhead | 22,764 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2004 | Steelhead | 8,314 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2004 | Steelhead | 13,145 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2003 | Steelhead | 23,517 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Steelhead | 20,174 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2001 | Steelhead | 6,931 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2001 | Steelhead | 16,927 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,581 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Steelhead | 16,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1999 | Steelhead | 30,586 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1999 | Steelhead | 17,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1999 | Steelhead | 8,280 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Steelhead | 13,785 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1998 | Steelhead | 12,162 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1998 | Steelhead | 12,538 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1998 | Steelhead | 15,485 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1997 | Steelhead | 12,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1997 | Steelhead | 20,160 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1997 | Steelhead | 9,040 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1996 | Steelhead | 9,774 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1996 | Steelhead | 20,130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1996 | Steelhead | 20,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1996 | Steelhead | 19,966 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1996 | Steelhead | 5,032 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 15, 1995 | Chinook Salmon | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1995 | Steelhead | 5,130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1995 | Steelhead | 15,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1995 | Steelhead | 20,090 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was White Salmon last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, White Salmon was last stocked May 17, 2010 with Steelhead.
What fish species are stocked in White Salmon?
White Salmon is stocked with Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is White Salmon stocked?
White Salmon is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is White Salmon stocked?
White Salmon has been stocked about 3 times a year — 45 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2010.
How many fish have been stocked in White Salmon?
About 656,238 fish have been stocked in White Salmon across 45 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish White Salmon?
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 Salmon?
Freshly stocked trout in White Salmon 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.