Graves Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1927–1985 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Graves Creek was last stocked December 5, 1985 with Brown Trout. Graves Creek has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1927–1985, with about 907,776 fish stocked over that period.
When Graves Creek is stocked
Graves Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Graves 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 Graves 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 Graves Creek was last stocked December 5, 1985, 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 Graves 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Graves 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 Graves Creek, freshest activity first.
Lake Mary Ronan
11 mi8 species · 685 records
Last stocked June 2026
Little Mcgregor Lake
13 mi4 species · 91 records
Last stocked June 2026
Mcgregor Lake
14 mi7 species · 334 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rainbow Lake
13 mi9 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2025
Rogers Lake
13 mi3 species · 112 records
Last stocked September 2024
Cabin Lake
3 mi2 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 5, 1985 | Brown Trout | 29,600 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,840 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,971 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,971 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,864 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,864 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 200,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 200,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1942 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1942 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,266 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 27, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 44,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 27, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 44,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1929 | Cutthroat Trout | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1927 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1927 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1927 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1927 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1927 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Graves Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Graves Creek was last stocked December 5, 1985 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Graves Creek?
Graves Creek is stocked with Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Graves Creek stocked?
Graves Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Graves Creek stocked?
Graves Creek is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1927 and 1985.
How many fish have been stocked in Graves Creek?
About 907,776 fish have been stocked in Graves Creek across 31 recorded events since 1927, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Graves Creek?
Fish stocked in Graves Creek average about 15.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Graves 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 Graves Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Graves 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.