Gilbert Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gilbert Creek was last stocked July 21, 1951 with Rainbow Trout. Gilbert Creek has 21 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1951, with about 196,424 fish stocked over that period.
When Gilbert Creek is stocked
Gilbert Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert Creek was last stocked July 21, 1951, 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert Creek, freshest activity first.
Beavertail Pond
5 mi3 species · 271 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lakes
8 mi5 species · 138 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wyman Creek
8 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 1991
Threemile Creek
6 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked July 1953
Alder Creek
1 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1951
Ranch Creek
7 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1949
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 2,670 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 2,670 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 13 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 19, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,612 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,612 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gilbert Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gilbert Creek was last stocked July 21, 1951 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Gilbert Creek?
Gilbert Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Gilbert Creek stocked?
Gilbert Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Gilbert Creek stocked?
Gilbert Creek is stocked intermittently — 21 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in Gilbert Creek?
About 196,424 fish have been stocked in Gilbert Creek across 21 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gilbert Creek?
Fish stocked in Gilbert Creek average about 3.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gilbert 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 Gilbert Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Gilbert 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.