Bitterroot River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1979 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bitterroot River was last stocked July 31, 1979 with Rainbow Trout. Bitterroot River has 860 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1979, with about 7,310,555 fish stocked over that period.
When Bitterroot River is stocked
Bitterroot River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 288 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bitterroot 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 Bitterroot 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 Bitterroot River was last stocked July 31, 1979, 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 Bitterroot 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.
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 Bitterroot 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bitterroot River, freshest activity first.
Missoula Kids Pond
5 mi3 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Frenchtown Pond
13 mi3 species · 127 records
Last stocked June 2026
Boulder Creek
9 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 2012
Granite Lake
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2012
Blackfoot River
11 mi2 species · 1011 records
Last stocked June 1992
Valle Creek, La
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,775 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,775 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,710 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,710 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1979 | Brown Trout | 6,144 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1979 | Brown Trout | 6,144 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,513 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,513 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,775 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,775 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,785 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,785 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,468 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,468 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,913 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,913 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,673 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,673 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,132 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,132 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,219 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,219 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,617 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,429 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,182 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,182 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,198 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,198 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,712 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,712 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 6,120 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 6,120 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bitterroot River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bitterroot River was last stocked July 31, 1979 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bitterroot River?
Bitterroot River is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Bitterroot River stocked?
Bitterroot River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Bitterroot River stocked?
Bitterroot River has been stocked about 17 times a year — 860 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1979.
How many fish have been stocked in Bitterroot River?
About 7,310,555 fish have been stocked in Bitterroot River across 860 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bitterroot River?
Fish stocked in Bitterroot River average about 5.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bitterroot 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 Bitterroot River?
Freshly stocked trout in Bitterroot 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.