Coal Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Coal Creek was last stocked September 15, 1982 with Cutthroat Trout. Coal Creek has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1982, with about 669,676 fish stocked over that period.
When Coal Creek is stocked
Coal Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Coal 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 Coal 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 Coal Creek was last stocked September 15, 1982, 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 Coal 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.
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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Coal 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Coal Creek, freshest activity first.
Handkerchief Lake
6 mi2 species · 59 records
Last stocked September 2024
Tom Tom Lake
7 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
Big Hawk Lake
6 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked July 2023
Bergsicker Lake
6 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lower Three Eagles Lake
7 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2017
Pilgrim Lake 1
7 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 100,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 100,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1977 | Smallmouth Bass | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,725 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,573 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,725 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,573 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Trout (unspecified) | 2,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Trout (unspecified) | 2,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,525 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1951 | Trout (unspecified) | 1,215 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1950 | Trout (unspecified) | 12,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1950 | Trout (unspecified) | 12,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,240 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,240 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 38,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 38,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Coal Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Coal Creek was last stocked September 15, 1982 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Coal Creek?
Coal Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Trout (unspecified).
What time of year is Coal Creek stocked?
Coal Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is Coal Creek stocked?
Coal Creek is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Coal Creek?
About 669,676 fish have been stocked in Coal Creek across 43 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Coal Creek?
Fish stocked in Coal Creek average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Coal 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 Coal Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Coal 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.