Elk Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2000 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Elk Creek was last stocked July 13, 2000 with Cutthroat Trout. Elk Creek has 270 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2000, with about 2,938,687 fish stocked over that period.
When Elk Creek is stocked
Elk Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 70 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Elk 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 Elk 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 Elk Creek was last stocked July 13, 2000, 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 Elk 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.
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 Elk 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.
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 Elk Creek, freshest activity first.
Wood Lake
10 mi5 species · 107 records
Last stocked May 2026
Crystal Lake
8 mi8 species · 373 records
Last stocked September 2025
North Fork Ford Creek
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2005
Flat Creek
9 mi3 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 1960
Green Timber Lake
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1956
Bar Creek
10 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 1952
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,909 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,909 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,013 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,013 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,060 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,060 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 3, 1986 | Brown Trout | 26,592 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 3, 1986 | Brown Trout | 26,592 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 5, 1985 | Brown Trout | 29,600 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 5, 1985 | Brown Trout | 29,600 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,083 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,083 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 688 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 688 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 704 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 704 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,275 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,012 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,012 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,601 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,601 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,748 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,544 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,544 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 270 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Elk Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Elk Creek was last stocked July 13, 2000 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Elk Creek?
Elk Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Elk Creek stocked?
Elk Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Elk Creek stocked?
Elk Creek has been stocked about 4 times a year — 270 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2000.
How many fish have been stocked in Elk Creek?
About 2,938,687 fish have been stocked in Elk Creek across 270 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Elk Creek?
Fish stocked in Elk Creek average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Elk 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 Elk Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Elk 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.