Big Hole River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Hole River was last stocked August 2, 1993 with Arctic Grayling. Big Hole River has 893 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1993, with about 22,085,524 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Hole River is stocked
Big Hole River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 286 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Hole 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 Big Hole 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 Big Hole River was last stocked August 2, 1993, 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 Big Hole 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 Big Hole 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 Big Hole River, freshest activity first.
Upper Boulder Lake
11 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2024
Gheny Pond
3 mi2 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2020
Twin Bridges Gravel Pond
3 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2011
Ruby River
4 mi4 species · 185 records
Last stocked June 2008
Bayers Pond Upper
2 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2005
Bayers Pond Lower
2 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2005
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 408 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 408 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1992 | Arctic Grayling | 214 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 775 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 775 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 806 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 806 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 837 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 837 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 855 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 855 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 817 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 817 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 828 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 923 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 923 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 860 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 792 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 707 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 707 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 649 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 649 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 891 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Hole River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Hole River was last stocked August 2, 1993 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Big Hole River?
Big Hole River is stocked with Arctic Grayling and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Hole River stocked?
Big Hole River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Big Hole River stocked?
Big Hole River has been stocked about 14 times a year — 893 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Hole River?
About 22,085,524 fish have been stocked in Big Hole River across 893 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Hole River?
Fish stocked in Big Hole River average about 7.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Hole 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 Big Hole River?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Hole 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.