Fish Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fish Creek was last stocked July 24, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. Fish Creek has 188 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1973, with about 1,242,289 fish stocked over that period.
When Fish Creek is stocked
Fish Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 81 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fish 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 Fish 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 Fish Creek was last stocked July 24, 1973, 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 Fish 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Fish 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 Fish Creek, freshest activity first.
Missoula Kids Pond
11 mi3 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Carlton Lake
8 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Boulder Creek
10 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 2012
Woodchuck Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked January 2004
Reed Lake
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1983
Bitterroot River
10 mi4 species · 860 records
Last stocked July 1979
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 954 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 954 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 798 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 798 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 966 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 966 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 939 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 939 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 669 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 669 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 851 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 851 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 614 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 614 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 606 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 606 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 625 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 625 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,225 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,225 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 828 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 828 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 953 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 953 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 943 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 934 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 934 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 990 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 990 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,132 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,132 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 742 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 742 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 963 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 963 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 188 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Fish Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fish Creek was last stocked July 24, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fish Creek?
Fish Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Fish Creek stocked?
Fish Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Fish Creek stocked?
Fish Creek has been stocked about 4 times a year — 188 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in Fish Creek?
About 1,242,289 fish have been stocked in Fish Creek across 188 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fish Creek?
Fish stocked in Fish Creek average about 7.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fish 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 Fish Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Fish 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.