Box Elder Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Box Elder Creek Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Box Elder Creek Reservoir has 54 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–2025, with about 213,405 fish stocked over that period.
When Box Elder Creek Reservoir is stocked
Box Elder Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in June — 20 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Box Elder Creek Reservoir
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 Reservoir, 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 Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2025, 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 Reservoir:
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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Box Elder Creek Reservoir
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Box Elder Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Dry Blood Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Cow Creek Reservoir
7 mi7 species · 72 records
Last stocked October 2025
Payola Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2025
South Fork Blood Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Petrolia Reservoir
12 mi8 species · 74 records
Last stocked June 2025
Manuel Reservoir #2
12 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 8.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,073 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 824 | 9.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 7.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,082 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,014 | 4.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 5,418 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 8.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 546 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 5.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 514 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2000 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 5,625 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 5,288 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,991 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 5,025 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 5,120 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 9.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,522 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 4,973 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 5,169 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,997 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 5,141 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,960 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 5,010 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 5,049 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 5,130 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,670 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,950 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 9,860 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 54 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Box Elder Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Box Elder Creek Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Box Elder Creek Reservoir?
Box Elder Creek Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Walleye.
What time of year is Box Elder Creek Reservoir stocked?
Box Elder Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in June.
How often is Box Elder Creek Reservoir stocked?
Box Elder Creek Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 54 recorded stockings between 1968 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Box Elder Creek Reservoir?
About 213,405 fish have been stocked in Box Elder Creek Reservoir across 54 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Box Elder Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Box Elder Creek Reservoir average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Box Elder Creek Reservoir?
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 Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Box Elder Creek Reservoir 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.