Browns Gulch Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Browns Gulch was last stocked July 28, 1954 with Rainbow Trout. Browns Gulch has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1954, with about 475,830 fish stocked over that period.
When Browns Gulch is stocked
Browns Gulch is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Browns Gulch
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 Browns Gulch, 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 Browns Gulch was last stocked July 28, 1954, 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 Browns Gulch:
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 Browns Gulch
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 Browns Gulch, freshest activity first.
AMC Settling Pond #3
11 mi3 species · 90 records
Last stocked June 2026
Skyline Pond
10 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cliff Lake
10 mi4 species · 153 records
Last stocked June 2025
Copper Mountain Park Pond
7 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2025
Alpine Lake
11 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked August 2023
Opportunity Pond
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,775 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,775 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1951 | Brook Trout | 1,530 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1951 | Brook Trout | 1,530 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,340 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,340 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 1949 | Brook Trout | 3,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1949 | Brook Trout | 3,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,050 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,050 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1947 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1947 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1945 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1945 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1944 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1943 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1943 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1942 | Brook Trout | 12,960 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1942 | Brook Trout | 12,960 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1941 | Brook Trout | 26,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1937 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1937 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 78,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Browns Gulch last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Browns Gulch was last stocked July 28, 1954 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Browns Gulch?
Browns Gulch is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Browns Gulch stocked?
Browns Gulch is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Browns Gulch stocked?
Browns Gulch has been stocked about 1 times a year — 31 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Browns Gulch?
About 475,830 fish have been stocked in Browns Gulch across 31 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Browns Gulch?
Fish stocked in Browns Gulch average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Browns Gulch?
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 Browns Gulch?
Freshly stocked trout in Browns Gulch 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.