Fourmile Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fourmile Creek was last stocked September 11, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout. Fourmile Creek has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2012, with about 435,346 fish stocked over that period.
When Fourmile Creek is stocked
Fourmile Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fourmile 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 Fourmile 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 Fourmile Creek was last stocked September 11, 2012, 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 Fourmile 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 Fourmile 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 Fourmile Creek, freshest activity first.
Rostad Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2013
Boyd's Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1995
Duck Creek
11 mi4 species · 92 records
Last stocked October 1986
Higgins Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1963
Forest Lake
10 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 1961
South Fork Shields River
11 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 9.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 9.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,666 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,550 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,550 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,625 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,625 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 3,397 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 3,397 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,590 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,590 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,128 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,128 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 33,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 33,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Fourmile Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fourmile Creek was last stocked September 11, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fourmile Creek?
Fourmile Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Fourmile Creek stocked?
Fourmile Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is Fourmile Creek stocked?
Fourmile Creek is stocked intermittently — 38 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Fourmile Creek?
About 435,346 fish have been stocked in Fourmile Creek across 38 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fourmile Creek?
Fish stocked in Fourmile Creek average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fourmile 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 Fourmile Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Fourmile 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.