Frenchman Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–1977 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Frenchman Creek was last stocked June 30, 1977 with Smallmouth Bass. Frenchman Creek has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–1977, with about 47,998 fish stocked over that period.
When Frenchman Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Frenchman 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 Frenchman 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 Frenchman Creek was last stocked June 30, 1977, 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 Frenchman 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.
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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
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 Frenchman 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Frenchman Creek, freshest activity first.
Cole Pond NNW
10 mi8 species · 98 records
Last stocked August 2025
Cole Pond SW
10 mi3 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2025
Cole Pond NW
10 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2025
McNab Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2006
Bear Track Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1982
Bowman Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 1977 | Smallmouth Bass | 10,288 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1977 | Smallmouth Bass | 10,288 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1962 | Brook Trout | 4,995 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1962 | Brook Trout | 4,995 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1959 | Brook Trout | 5,716 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1959 | Brook Trout | 5,716 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Frenchman Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Frenchman Creek was last stocked June 30, 1977 with Smallmouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Frenchman Creek?
Frenchman Creek is stocked with Smallmouth Bass and Brook Trout.
How often is Frenchman Creek stocked?
Frenchman Creek is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1959 and 1977.
How many fish have been stocked in Frenchman Creek?
About 47,998 fish have been stocked in Frenchman Creek across 8 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Frenchman Creek?
Fish stocked in Frenchman Creek average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Frenchman 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 Frenchman Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Frenchman 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.