Gold Creek Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–2019 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gold Creek Lake was last stocked July 31, 2019 with Cutthroat Trout. Gold Creek Lake has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–2019, with about 4,070 fish stocked over that period.
When Gold Creek Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gold Creek Lake
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 Gold Creek Lake, 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 Gold Creek Lake was last stocked July 31, 2019, 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 Gold Creek Lake:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Gold Creek Lake
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 Gold Creek Lake, freshest activity first.
Fly Lake
1 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2019
W Fk Gold Creek Lake
6 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2019
Sudden Lake
1 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1980
Wapiti Lake
1 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1980
Lookout Lake
5 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1978
Rattlesnake Lake 3
5 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 1.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 634 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 576 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 660 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gold Creek Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gold Creek Lake was last stocked July 31, 2019 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Gold Creek Lake?
Gold Creek Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Gold Creek Lake stocked?
Gold Creek Lake is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1973 and 2019.
How many fish have been stocked in Gold Creek Lake?
About 4,070 fish have been stocked in Gold Creek Lake across 8 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gold Creek Lake?
Fish stocked in Gold Creek Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gold Creek Lake?
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 Gold Creek Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Gold Creek Lake 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.