Blackfoot River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1992 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blackfoot River was last stocked June 10, 1992 with Cutthroat Trout. Blackfoot River has 1,011 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1992, with about 5,947,248 fish stocked over that period.
When Blackfoot River is stocked
Blackfoot River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 268 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Blackfoot 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 Blackfoot 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 Blackfoot River was last stocked June 10, 1992, 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 Blackfoot 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.
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 Blackfoot 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 Blackfoot River, freshest activity first.
Missoula Kids Pond
6 mi3 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Boulder Creek
3 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 2012
Rattlesnake Lake 3
10 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1978
Farmers Lake 6
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1975
Granite Creek
5 mi3 species · 39 records
Last stocked August 1970
Carter Lake
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,950 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,015 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,015 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 642 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 642 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 675 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 675 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 744 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 744 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 930 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 652 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 652 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 870 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 851 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 832 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 832 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 794 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 794 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 372 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 372 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 867 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 867 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 797 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 797 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 830 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,203 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,203 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,236 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,236 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,307 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,307 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Blackfoot River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blackfoot River was last stocked June 10, 1992 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Blackfoot River?
Blackfoot River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Blackfoot River stocked?
Blackfoot River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Blackfoot River stocked?
Blackfoot River has been stocked about 16 times a year — 1,011 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1992.
How many fish have been stocked in Blackfoot River?
About 5,947,248 fish have been stocked in Blackfoot River across 1,011 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Blackfoot River?
Fish stocked in Blackfoot River average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Blackfoot 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 Blackfoot River?
Freshly stocked trout in Blackfoot 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.