Blacktail Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1970 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Creek was last stocked July 29, 1970 with Rainbow Trout. Blacktail Creek has 54 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1970, with about 286,944 fish stocked over that period.
When Blacktail Creek is stocked
Blacktail Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Blacktail 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 Blacktail 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 Blacktail Creek was last stocked July 29, 1970, 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 Blacktail 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Blacktail 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.
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 Blacktail Creek, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
4 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cook Reservoir 2
6 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Grace Lake
7 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked September 2025
Upper Baldy Lake
7 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2025
Camas Lake
8 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2017
Newlan Creek
7 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 140 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 140 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 185 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 185 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 175 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 175 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 575 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 575 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 518 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 518 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1953 | Brook Trout | 3,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1953 | Brook Trout | 3,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,856 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,856 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 194 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1947 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1947 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1946 | Brook Trout | 950 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1946 | Brook Trout | 950 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1941 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1941 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 54 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Blacktail Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Creek was last stocked July 29, 1970 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Blacktail Creek?
Blacktail Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Blacktail Creek stocked?
Blacktail Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Blacktail Creek stocked?
Blacktail Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 54 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1970.
How many fish have been stocked in Blacktail Creek?
About 286,944 fish have been stocked in Blacktail Creek across 54 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Blacktail Creek?
Fish stocked in Blacktail Creek average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Blacktail 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 Blacktail Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Blacktail 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.