Armstrong Spring Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1964 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Armstrong Spring Creek was last stocked June 30, 1964 with Rainbow Trout. Armstrong Spring Creek has 47 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1964, with about 838,884 fish stocked over that period.
When Armstrong Spring Creek is stocked
Armstrong Spring Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Armstrong Spring Creek
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 Armstrong Spring Creek, 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 Armstrong Spring Creek was last stocked June 30, 1964, 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 Armstrong Spring Creek:
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Armstrong Spring Creek
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 Armstrong Spring Creek, freshest activity first.
Sacajawea Park Lagoon
7 mi2 species · 193 records
Last stocked March 2026
Fire Lake
13 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2025
Blacktail Lake
8 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2024
Pine Creek Lake
8 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked August 2023
Upper Bear Lake
13 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lake Mcknight
8 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2005
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1964 | Brown Trout | 50 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1964 | Brown Trout | 50 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 9,982 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 9,982 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 39 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 1952 | Brown Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1952 | Brown Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 42,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 42,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 5,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1944 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1944 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 9, 1942 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1940 | Brown Trout | 43,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1940 | Brown Trout | 43,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 3,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 3,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 24,336 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 24,336 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 10,268 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 11,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 11,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 27, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 60,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 27, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 60,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 45,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 45,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Armstrong Spring Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Armstrong Spring Creek was last stocked June 30, 1964 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Armstrong Spring Creek?
Armstrong Spring Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Armstrong Spring Creek stocked?
Armstrong Spring Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Armstrong Spring Creek stocked?
Armstrong Spring Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 47 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1964.
How many fish have been stocked in Armstrong Spring Creek?
About 838,884 fish have been stocked in Armstrong Spring Creek across 47 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Armstrong Spring Creek?
Fish stocked in Armstrong Spring Creek average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Armstrong Spring Creek?
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 Armstrong Spring Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Armstrong Spring Creek 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.