Ashley Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1927–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ashley Creek was last stocked September 4, 2012 with Rainbow Trout. Ashley Creek has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1927–2012, with about 584,348 fish stocked over that period.
When Ashley Creek is stocked
Ashley Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ashley 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 Ashley 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 Ashley Creek was last stocked September 4, 2012, 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 Ashley 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 Ashley 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 Ashley Creek, freshest activity first.
Dry Bridge Slough
6 mi1 species · 79 records
Last stocked April 2021
Mcgilvray Lake
6 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2006
Elliot Creek
4 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 1997
Brenneman Slough
6 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1996
Swan River
7 mi3 species · 299 records
Last stocked September 1992
Church Slough
3 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 61,934 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 61,934 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1938 | Brook Trout | 34,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1938 | Brook Trout | 34,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 29, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 12,480 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 150,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 150,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1927 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1927 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ashley Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ashley Creek was last stocked September 4, 2012 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ashley Creek?
Ashley Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Ashley Creek stocked?
Ashley Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Ashley Creek stocked?
Ashley Creek is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1927 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Ashley Creek?
About 584,348 fish have been stocked in Ashley Creek across 14 recorded events since 1927, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ashley Creek?
Fish stocked in Ashley Creek average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ashley 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 Ashley Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Ashley 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.