Arrastra Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Arrastra Creek was last stocked July 29, 1969 with Rainbow Trout. Arrastra Creek has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1969, with about 653,852 fish stocked over that period.
When Arrastra Creek is stocked
Arrastra Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Arrastra 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 Arrastra 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 Arrastra Creek was last stocked July 29, 1969, 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 Arrastra 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Arrastra 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Arrastra Creek, freshest activity first.
Browns Lake
5 mi5 species · 286 records
Last stocked June 2026
Maddie Lake
6 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2025
Diamond Lake
5 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2024
Geary Pond
7 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2019
Nevada Creek
7 mi3 species · 56 records
Last stocked August 1990
Kleinschmidt Creek
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 542 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 542 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 23,740 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 23,740 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,900 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,276 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,276 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Arrastra Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Arrastra Creek was last stocked July 29, 1969 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Arrastra Creek?
Arrastra Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Arrastra Creek stocked?
Arrastra Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Arrastra Creek stocked?
Arrastra Creek is stocked intermittently — 46 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Arrastra Creek?
About 653,852 fish have been stocked in Arrastra Creek across 46 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Arrastra Creek?
Fish stocked in Arrastra Creek average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Arrastra 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 Arrastra Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Arrastra 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.