Clark Fork River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2007 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Fork River was last stocked September 27, 2007 with Cutthroat Trout. Clark Fork River has 304 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2007, with about 9,960,934 fish stocked over that period.
When Clark Fork River is stocked
Clark Fork River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April — 59 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clark Fork River
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 Fork River, 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 Fork River was last stocked September 27, 2007, 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 Fork River:
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Clark Fork River
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.
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 Clark Fork River, freshest activity first.
Spar Lake
13 mi7 species · 135 records
Last stocked June 2026
Triangle Pond
11 mi3 species · 242 records
Last stocked May 2026
St Paul Lake
18 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Little Spar Lake
9 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2024
Snowshoe Lake
18 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2024
Moran Basin Lakes
16 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 2.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 2.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1994 | Brown Trout | 5,772 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1994 | Brown Trout | 5,772 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1993 | Brown Trout | 5,143 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1992 | Brown Trout | 22,110 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1992 | Brown Trout | 22,110 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1991 | Brown Trout | 18,540 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 22, 1991 | Brown Trout | 18,540 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1991 | Brown Trout | 20,022 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1991 | Brown Trout | 20,022 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1990 | Brown Trout | 24,910 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1990 | Brown Trout | 24,910 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1989 | Brown Trout | 5,040 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1989 | Brown Trout | 5,040 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1989 | Brown Trout | 5,884 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1989 | Brown Trout | 5,884 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1989 | Brown Trout | 4,751 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1989 | Brown Trout | 4,751 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1988 | Brown Trout | 9,530 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1988 | Brown Trout | 9,530 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1988 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1988 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 6,162 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 6,162 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1987 | Brown Trout | 6,870 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1987 | Brown Trout | 6,870 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,733 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,733 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1986 | Brown Trout | 9,984 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 203 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 203 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 203 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 368,010 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 368,010 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 594,442 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 594,442 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 89,846 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 57,213 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 89,846 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 57,213 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 152,400 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 5, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 96,768 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 5, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 307,648 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 5, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 96,768 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 5, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 307,648 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 12, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 398,554 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 312,576 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 312,576 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 21, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 564,224 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 304 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Clark Fork River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Fork River was last stocked September 27, 2007 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Clark Fork River?
Clark Fork River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Clark Fork River stocked?
Clark Fork River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April.
How often is Clark Fork River stocked?
Clark Fork River has been stocked about 4 times a year — 304 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2007.
How many fish have been stocked in Clark Fork River?
About 9,960,934 fish have been stocked in Clark Fork River across 304 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clark Fork River?
Fish stocked in Clark Fork River average about 13.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clark Fork River?
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 Fork River?
Freshly stocked trout in Clark Fork River 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.