Belt Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1996 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Belt Creek was last stocked August 27, 1996 with Rainbow Trout. Belt Creek has 339 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1996, with about 1,644,044 fish stocked over that period.
When Belt Creek is stocked
Belt Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 128 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Belt 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 Belt 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 Belt Creek was last stocked August 27, 1996, 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 Belt 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 Belt 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 Belt Creek, freshest activity first.
Rainbow Dam Reservoir
9 mi4 species · 487 records
Last stocked October 2025
Giant Springs Fishing Pond
10 mi2 species · 202 records
Last stocked October 2025
Pow Wow Pond
9 mi3 species · 89 records
Last stocked June 2021
Ryan Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2005
Cochrane Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2005
Bovee Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 575 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 580 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 495 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 728 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 728 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 997 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 997 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,265 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,265 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,064 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,064 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 339 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Belt Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Belt Creek was last stocked August 27, 1996 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Belt Creek?
Belt Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Belt Creek stocked?
Belt Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Belt Creek stocked?
Belt Creek has been stocked about 5 times a year — 339 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1996.
How many fish have been stocked in Belt Creek?
About 1,644,044 fish have been stocked in Belt Creek across 339 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Belt Creek?
Fish stocked in Belt Creek average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Belt 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 Belt Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Belt 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.