Clark Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Creek was last stocked June 25, 1993 with Cutthroat Trout. Clark Creek has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1993, with about 37,081 fish stocked over that period.
When Clark Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clark 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 Clark 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 Clark Creek was last stocked June 25, 1993, 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 Clark 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 Clark 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 Clark Creek, freshest activity first.
Tunnel Lake
4 mi6 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pishkun Reservoir
5 mi8 species · 289 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clemons Coulee Reservoir
8 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
Swazee Lake
7 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Dickens Lake
6 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2024
Split Rock Lake
3 mi8 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2006
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,297 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,360 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,360 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 5,250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,907 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,907 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Clark Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Creek was last stocked June 25, 1993 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Clark Creek?
Clark Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Clark Creek stocked?
Clark Creek is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Clark Creek?
About 37,081 fish have been stocked in Clark Creek across 6 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clark Creek?
Fish stocked in Clark Creek average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clark 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 Clark Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Clark 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.