Boulder Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boulder Creek was last stocked August 23, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout. Boulder Creek has 97 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2012, with about 1,586,162 fish stocked over that period.
When Boulder Creek is stocked
Boulder Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Boulder 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 Boulder 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 Boulder Creek was last stocked August 23, 2012, 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 Boulder 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 Boulder 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 Boulder Creek, freshest activity first.
Missoula Kids Pond
5 mi3 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Blackfoot River
3 mi2 species · 1011 records
Last stocked June 1992
Bitterroot River
9 mi4 species · 860 records
Last stocked July 1979
Lolo Creek
9 mi2 species · 111 records
Last stocked July 1979
Fish Creek
10 mi4 species · 188 records
Last stocked July 1973
Granite Creek
5 mi3 species · 39 records
Last stocked August 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,907 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,907 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,932 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,932 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,931 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,931 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 735 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,320 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,250 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,570 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,570 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,850 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,244 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,244 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 7,883 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,874 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,874 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,350 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,350 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,640 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,640 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,060 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,320 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,320 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 2,250 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 97 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Boulder Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boulder Creek was last stocked August 23, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Boulder Creek?
Boulder Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Boulder Creek stocked?
Boulder Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Boulder Creek stocked?
Boulder Creek is stocked intermittently — 97 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Boulder Creek?
About 1,586,162 fish have been stocked in Boulder Creek across 97 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Boulder Creek?
Fish stocked in Boulder Creek average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Boulder 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 Boulder Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Boulder 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.