Black Canyon Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1983 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Black Canyon Creek was last stocked July 26, 1983 with Cutthroat Trout. Black Canyon Creek has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1983, with about 120,256 fish stocked over that period.
When Black Canyon Creek is stocked
Black Canyon Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon Creek was last stocked July 26, 1983, 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 Black Canyon 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.
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.
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 Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon Creek, freshest activity first.
Blue Creek Pond
20 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2023
Lost Leg Pond
10 mi1 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2008
Crazy Head Springs Pond 1
11 mi2 species · 159 records
Last stocked June 2008
Green Leaf Pond
12 mi2 species · 52 records
Last stocked June 2008
Spear-o Reservoir
20 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1999
Rednose Reservoir
12 mi6 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,528 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,528 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,776 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,776 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,730 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,730 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,840 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,840 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Black Canyon Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Black Canyon Creek was last stocked July 26, 1983 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Black Canyon Creek?
Black Canyon Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Black Canyon Creek stocked?
Black Canyon Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Black Canyon Creek stocked?
Black Canyon Creek is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1983.
How many fish have been stocked in Black Canyon Creek?
About 120,256 fish have been stocked in Black Canyon Creek across 28 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Black Canyon Creek?
Fish stocked in Black Canyon Creek average about 14.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Black Canyon 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.