Eightmile Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eightmile Creek was last stocked September 24, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout. Eightmile Creek has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1954, with about 480,164 fish stocked over that period.
When Eightmile Creek is stocked
Eightmile Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Eightmile 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 Eightmile 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 Eightmile Creek was last stocked September 24, 1954, 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 Eightmile 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 Eightmile 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 Eightmile Creek, freshest activity first.
Bear Lake
10 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked October 2024
Mill Creek
6 mi5 species · 246 records
Last stocked April 2002
Mccarthy Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1987
Boulder Kids Ponds
9 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1984
Boulder School Pond
5 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked April 1974
Bison Creek
9 mi3 species · 71 records
Last stocked July 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,564 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1938 | Brook Trout | 14,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1938 | Brook Trout | 14,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Eightmile Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eightmile Creek was last stocked September 24, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Eightmile Creek?
Eightmile Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Eightmile Creek stocked?
Eightmile Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Eightmile Creek stocked?
Eightmile Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 45 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Eightmile Creek?
About 480,164 fish have been stocked in Eightmile Creek across 45 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Eightmile Creek?
Fish stocked in Eightmile Creek average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Eightmile 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 Eightmile Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Eightmile 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.