Box Elder Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Box Elder Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971 with Brook Trout. Box Elder Creek has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1971, with about 185,537 fish stocked over that period.
When Box Elder Creek is stocked
Box Elder Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Box Elder 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 Box Elder 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 Box Elder Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971, 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 Box Elder 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.
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.
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 Box Elder 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 Box Elder Creek, freshest activity first.
Urs Pond
15 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked June 2023
Beaver Creek
13 mi13 species · 697 records
Last stocked June 2014
Panton Coulee Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 42 records
Last stocked June 2009
Kolar Reservoir #6
15 mi2 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2000
Kolar Reservoir #5
15 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 2000
Polleri Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1971
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 1971 | Brook Trout | 4,284 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1971 | Brook Trout | 4,284 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 1969 | Brook Trout | 273 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 1969 | Brook Trout | 273 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 20,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 20,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1950 | Brook Trout | 3,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,688 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,688 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,128 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,128 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,260 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1943 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1943 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1942 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1942 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1941 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1941 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1940 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1940 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1940 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 6,312 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 6,312 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1933 | Brook Trout | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1933 | Brook Trout | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1933 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1933 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1933 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1933 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1933 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1931 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1931 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1928 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1928 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1928 | Brook Trout | 4,757 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Box Elder Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Box Elder Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Box Elder Creek?
Box Elder Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Box Elder Creek stocked?
Box Elder Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Box Elder Creek stocked?
Box Elder Creek is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Box Elder Creek?
About 185,537 fish have been stocked in Box Elder Creek across 43 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Box Elder Creek?
Fish stocked in Box Elder Creek average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Box Elder 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 Box Elder Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Box Elder 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.