Beaverhead River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2002 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Beaverhead River was last stocked June 17, 2002 with Arctic Grayling. Beaverhead River has 158 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2002, with about 1,673,157 fish stocked over that period.
When Beaverhead River is stocked
Beaverhead River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 44 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Beaverhead River
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 Beaverhead River, 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 Beaverhead River was last stocked June 17, 2002, 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 Beaverhead River:
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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Beaverhead River
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 Beaverhead River, freshest activity first.
Clark Canyon Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 436 records
Last stocked July 2025
Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond
19 mi2 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2025
Poison Lakes 1
11 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2024
Staudenmeyer Pond
16 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2009
Red Rock River Ranch Res
8 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2003
Grasshopper Creek
8 mi2 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 2,552 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 2,552 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 5,105 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 5,105 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 6,351 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 5,955 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 6,063 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 6,020 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 6,063 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 5,065 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 6,237 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 6,231 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 6,231 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 484 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 484 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 14,528 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 14,528 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 5,760 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 6,148 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 6,148 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 6,344 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 6,344 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,584 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,419 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,584 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,419 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,303 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,303 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,131 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 719 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 719 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,131 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 891 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 891 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,186 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,186 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 158 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Beaverhead River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Beaverhead River was last stocked June 17, 2002 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Beaverhead River?
Beaverhead River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Beaverhead River stocked?
Beaverhead River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Beaverhead River stocked?
Beaverhead River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 158 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2002.
How many fish have been stocked in Beaverhead River?
About 1,673,157 fish have been stocked in Beaverhead River across 158 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Beaverhead River?
Fish stocked in Beaverhead River average about 5.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Beaverhead River?
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 Beaverhead River?
Freshly stocked trout in Beaverhead River 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.