Harvey Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Harvey Creek was last stocked August 19, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout. Harvey Creek has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1952, with about 78,522 fish stocked over that period.
When Harvey Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Harvey 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 Harvey 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 Harvey Creek was last stocked August 19, 1952, 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 Harvey 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Harvey 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 Harvey Creek, freshest activity first.
Conad Pond
12 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2026
Beavertail Pond
10 mi3 species · 271 records
Last stocked May 2026
Big Bear Lake
9 mi1 species · 30 records
Last stocked October 2024
Martin Lake
12 mi4 species · 32 records
Last stocked July 2023
Wyman Creek
7 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 1991
Bearmouth Rest Area Pond
1 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked June 1985
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 19, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,576 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,829 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,829 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,744 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,744 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1947 | Brook Trout | 11,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1947 | Brook Trout | 11,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Harvey Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Harvey Creek was last stocked August 19, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Harvey Creek?
Harvey Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Harvey Creek stocked?
Harvey Creek is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Harvey Creek?
About 78,522 fish have been stocked in Harvey Creek across 11 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Harvey Creek?
Fish stocked in Harvey Creek average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Harvey 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 Harvey Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Harvey 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.