Clear Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clear Creek was last stocked May 23, 2013 with Brown Trout. Clear Creek has 180 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2013, with about 1,246,028 fish stocked over that period.
When Clear Creek is stocked
Clear Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 60 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clear 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 Clear 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 Clear Creek was last stocked May 23, 2013, 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 Clear 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Clear 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.
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 Clear Creek, freshest activity first.
Holgate Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2026
Carpenter Reservoir
3 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Upper
11 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kingsbury Pond
7 mi4 species · 55 records
Last stocked July 2025
Anderson Pond
2 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2025
Urs Pond
4 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked June 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2013 | Brown Trout | 2,001 | 3.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2013 | Brown Trout | 2,001 | 3.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2011 | Brown Trout | 2,096 | 4.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2011 | Brown Trout | 2,096 | 4.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2009 | Brown Trout | 2,017 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2009 | Brown Trout | 2,017 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Brown Trout | 1,931 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2005 | Brown Trout | 1,233 | 3.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2003 | Brown Trout | 2,004 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Brown Trout | 2,004 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2001 | Brown Trout | 2,032 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2001 | Brown Trout | 2,032 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1999 | Brown Trout | 1,982 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1999 | Brown Trout | 1,982 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1996 | Brown Trout | 2,012 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1996 | Brown Trout | 2,012 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1991 | Brown Trout | 1,998 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1991 | Brown Trout | 1,998 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1990 | Brown Trout | 1,518 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1990 | Brown Trout | 1,518 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1989 | Crappie | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,587 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 42,161 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 42,161 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 759 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 759 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 752 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 752 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 760 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 760 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 748 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 748 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 180 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Clear Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clear Creek was last stocked May 23, 2013 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Clear Creek?
Clear Creek is stocked with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Clear Creek stocked?
Clear Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Clear Creek stocked?
Clear Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 180 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Clear Creek?
About 1,246,028 fish have been stocked in Clear Creek across 180 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clear Creek?
Fish stocked in Clear Creek average about 5.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clear 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 Clear Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Clear 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.