Grave Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Grave Creek was last stocked August 17, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout. Grave Creek has 78 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–2012, with about 1,325,748 fish stocked over that period.
When Grave Creek is stocked
Grave Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Grave 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 Grave 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 Grave Creek was last stocked August 17, 2012, 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 Grave 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Grave 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Grave Creek, freshest activity first.
Smokey Lake
9 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hole In The Wall Lake
10 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Louis Lake
7 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2024
Sunday Lake 1
10 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Lagoni Lake
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Brimstone Lake
8 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 55,200 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 55,200 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,273 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,273 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,400 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,000 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,000 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,720 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,720 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,286 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 33,292 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,286 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,836 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,836 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 72,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 72,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 72,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 72,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | 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 |
| August 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 1,670 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 78 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Grave Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Grave Creek was last stocked August 17, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Grave Creek?
Grave Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Grave Creek stocked?
Grave Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Grave Creek stocked?
Grave Creek is stocked intermittently — 78 recorded stockings between 1924 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Grave Creek?
About 1,325,748 fish have been stocked in Grave Creek across 78 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Grave Creek?
Fish stocked in Grave Creek average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Grave 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 Grave Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Grave 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.