Harrison Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Harrison Creek was last stocked August 20, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout. Harrison Creek has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–1954, with about 113,280 fish stocked over that period.
When Harrison Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Harrison 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 Harrison 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 Harrison Creek was last stocked August 20, 1954, 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 Harrison 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.
Recommended Tackle for Harrison 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 Harrison Creek, freshest activity first.
East Fork Reservoir
13 mi4 species · 240 records
Last stocked August 2025
Borgstrom Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2019
Sheep Creek
16 mi4 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2008
Logging Creek
14 mi3 species · 105 records
Last stocked August 1976
Hound Creek
11 mi3 species · 89 records
Last stocked July 1973
E Fk Spring Creek Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 640 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 640 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Harrison Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Harrison Creek was last stocked August 20, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Harrison Creek?
Harrison Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Harrison Creek stocked?
Harrison Creek is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1941 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Harrison Creek?
About 113,280 fish have been stocked in Harrison Creek across 8 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Harrison Creek?
Fish stocked in Harrison Creek average about 99.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Harrison 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 Harrison Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Harrison 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.