Alder Gulch Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Alder Gulch was last stocked June 13, 1986 with Rainbow Trout. Alder Gulch has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–1986, with about 600 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Alder Gulch
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Alder Gulch, 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 Alder Gulch was last stocked June 13, 1986, 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 Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana 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 Alder Gulch:
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.
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 Alder Gulch
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Alder Gulch, freshest activity first.
Moose Lake
5 mi2 species · 99 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lakes
13 mi5 species · 138 records
Last stocked June 2025
Crescent Lake
8 mi3 species · 31 records
Last stocked August 2024
Day Gulch
5 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1964
South Boulder Creek
14 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 1954
Upper Willow Creek
7 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked July 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Alder Gulch last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Alder Gulch was last stocked June 13, 1986 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Alder Gulch?
Alder Gulch is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Alder Gulch stocked?
Alder Gulch has been stocked about 2 times a year — 2 recorded stockings between 1986 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Alder Gulch?
About 600 fish have been stocked in Alder Gulch across 2 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Alder Gulch?
Fish stocked in Alder Gulch average about 17.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Alder Gulch?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Alder Gulch?
Freshly stocked trout in Alder Gulch 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.