Fox Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fox Creek was last stocked August 3, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Fox Creek has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1989, with about 72,844 fish stocked over that period.
When Fox Creek is stocked
Fox Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fox 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 Fox 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 Fox Creek was last stocked August 3, 1989, 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 Fox 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Fox 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Fox Creek, freshest activity first.
Kwasney Reservoir
18 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1986
Upper Scheetz Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
Quick Reservoir
16 mi5 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1982
Pawlowski Dam
14 mi4 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 1971
Beery Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 1964
Groh Reservoir
17 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1961
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 3, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 6,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 6,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1970 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1970 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1945 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1945 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1944 | Bullhead | 100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1944 | Bullhead | 100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 2,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Yellow Perch | 500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Bullhead | 540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Bullhead | 1,810 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 2,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Yellow Perch | 500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Bullhead | 540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1934 | Bullhead | 1,810 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 1,333 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 1,333 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bullhead | 83 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 6 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bullhead | 83 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 6 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1931 | Largemouth Bass | 1,375 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1931 | Largemouth Bass | 1,375 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Fox Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fox Creek was last stocked August 3, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fox Creek?
Fox Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Bullhead, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Fox Creek stocked?
Fox Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Fox Creek stocked?
Fox Creek is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Fox Creek?
About 72,844 fish have been stocked in Fox Creek across 29 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fox Creek?
Fish stocked in Fox Creek average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fox 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 Fox Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Fox 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.