Granite Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1925–1970 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Granite Creek was last stocked August 11, 1970 with Rainbow Trout. Granite Creek has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1925–1970, with about 341,296 fish stocked over that period.
When Granite Creek is stocked
Granite Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Granite 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 Granite 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 Granite Creek was last stocked August 11, 1970, 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 Granite 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 Granite 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 Granite Creek, freshest activity first.
Missoula Kids Pond
1 mi3 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Boulder Creek
5 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 2012
Blackfoot River
5 mi2 species · 1011 records
Last stocked June 1992
Valle Creek, La
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1987
Bitterroot River
6 mi4 species · 860 records
Last stocked July 1979
Lolo Creek
10 mi2 species · 111 records
Last stocked July 1979
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 177 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 177 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 25, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 6,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 6,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,700 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1939 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1939 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 41,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 41,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1925 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Granite Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Granite Creek was last stocked August 11, 1970 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Granite Creek?
Granite Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Granite Creek stocked?
Granite Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Granite Creek stocked?
Granite Creek is stocked intermittently — 39 recorded stockings between 1925 and 1970.
How many fish have been stocked in Granite Creek?
About 341,296 fish have been stocked in Granite Creek across 39 recorded events since 1925, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Granite Creek?
Fish stocked in Granite Creek average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Granite 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 Granite Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Granite 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.