American Fork Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, American Fork was last stocked June 16, 1954 with Brook Trout. American Fork has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1954, with about 481,690 fish stocked over that period.
When American Fork is stocked
American Fork is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for American Fork
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 American Fork, 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 American Fork was last stocked June 16, 1954, 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 American Fork:
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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 American Fork
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 American Fork, freshest activity first.
Chief Joseph Pond
6 mi3 species · 176 records
Last stocked June 2026
Brewington Pond South
18 mi1 species · 94 records
Last stocked May 2026
Deadmans Basin Reservoir
15 mi6 species · 547 records
Last stocked May 2026
Berg Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 2013
West Fork Cottonwood Creek
17 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2004
Nelsons Pond
16 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2003
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 1954 | Brook Trout | 2,592 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1954 | Brook Trout | 2,592 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,830 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,830 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Brook Trout | 2,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Brook Trout | 2,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 21, 1950 | Brook Trout | 3,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1950 | Brook Trout | 3,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,688 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,688 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 15,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 15,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1944 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1944 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1941 | Brook Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1941 | Brook Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1938 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1938 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1935 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1935 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 9, 1931 | Brown Trout | 85,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was American Fork last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, American Fork was last stocked June 16, 1954 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in American Fork?
American Fork is stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is American Fork stocked?
American Fork is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is American Fork stocked?
American Fork has been stocked about 2 times a year — 39 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in American Fork?
About 481,690 fish have been stocked in American Fork across 39 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in American Fork?
Fish stocked in American Fork average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish American Fork?
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 American Fork?
Freshly stocked trout in American Fork 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.