Willapa River Fish Stocking
Pacific County, Washington · 1996–2021 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Willapa River was last stocked March 15, 2021 with Coho Salmon. Willapa River has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2021, with about 4,138,769 fish stocked over that period.
When Willapa River is stocked
Willapa River is typically stocked in winter and spring, most often in February — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Willapa River
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 Willapa 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 Willapa River was last stocked March 15, 2021, 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 Willapa River:
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 Willapa River
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 Willapa River, freshest activity first.
Cedar River
6 miKing County · 2 species · 1310 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rue Creek
9 miPacific County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2026
Elk Creek
6 miPacific County · 3 species · 15 records
Last stocked March 2026
Ward Creek
9 miPacific County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2025
Hansen Creek
4 miSkagit County · 1 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 2024
North River
3 miPacific County · 3 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2021 | Coho Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 2, 2019 | Coho Salmon | 35,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 2, 2018 | Coho Salmon | 161,780 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 10, 2017 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2014 | Coho Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2013 | Coho Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2012 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2011 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2009 | Coho Salmon | 0 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2008 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2007 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2006 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 1, 2005 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| January 10, 2005 | Chum | 30,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 193 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 2,897 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 787,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,296 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,284 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,405 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,638 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 35,774 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2000 | Chinook Salmon | 1,190,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 37,353 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 119,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 37,324 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 37,603 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 367,642 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Coho Salmon | 37,978 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 1998 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 1998 | Chinook Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1997 | Coho Salmon | 50,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| February 15, 1997 | Chinook Salmon | 25,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 91,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1996 | Coho Salmon | 49,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1996 | Chinook Salmon | 180,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1996 | Chinook Salmon | 190,700 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 1996 | Chinook Salmon | 23,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Willapa River last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Willapa River was last stocked March 15, 2021 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Willapa River?
Willapa River is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chum, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Willapa River stocked?
Willapa River is typically stocked in winter and spring, most often in February.
How often is Willapa River stocked?
Willapa River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 39 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Willapa River?
About 4,138,769 fish have been stocked in Willapa River across 39 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Willapa 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.