Deep Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Deep Creek was last stocked October 6, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Deep Creek has 307 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2008, with about 4,890,225 fish stocked over that period.
When Deep Creek is stocked
Deep Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 98 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Deep 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 Deep 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 Deep Creek was last stocked October 6, 2008, 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 Deep 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.
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.
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 Deep 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 Deep Creek, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
11 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
10 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Margaret Lake
7 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2024
Fairgrounds Pond
10 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Helena Industries Pond
3 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1991
Kelly Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 5,171 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 5,171 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1998 | Brown Trout | 25,312 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1998 | Brown Trout | 25,312 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1994 | Brown Trout | 28,408 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 594 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 542 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 542 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 490 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 490 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 318 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 318 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 317 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 549 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 550 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 549 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 550 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 648 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 550 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 550 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1993 | Brown Trout | 21,375 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1993 | Brown Trout | 21,375 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,993 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,993 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,050 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1986 | Brown Trout | 10,674 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1986 | Brown Trout | 10,674 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,020 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 245 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 245 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 307 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Deep Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Deep Creek was last stocked October 6, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Deep Creek?
Deep Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Deep Creek stocked?
Deep Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Deep Creek stocked?
Deep Creek has been stocked about 4 times a year — 307 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Deep Creek?
About 4,890,225 fish have been stocked in Deep Creek across 307 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Deep Creek?
Fish stocked in Deep Creek average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Deep 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 Deep Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Deep 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.