Hensley Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1949 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hensley Creek was last stocked September 21, 1949 with Brook Trout. Hensley Creek has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1949, with about 12,980 fish stocked over that period.
When Hensley Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hensley 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 Hensley 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 Hensley Creek was last stocked September 21, 1949, 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 Hensley 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.
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.
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 Hensley 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 Hensley Creek, freshest activity first.
Cascade Lake
12 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2019
Lower Glaston Lake
10 mi9 species · 54 records
Last stocked August 1991
Cayuse Creek
7 mi3 species · 103 records
Last stocked July 1982
Upper Glaston Lake
9 mi9 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1965
Tronrud Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1951
Dead Beaver Creek
10 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,820 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,820 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1947 | Brook Trout | 480 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1947 | Brook Trout | 480 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1945 | Brook Trout | 180 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hensley Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hensley Creek was last stocked September 21, 1949 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hensley Creek?
Hensley Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Hensley Creek stocked?
Hensley Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 7 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1949.
How many fish have been stocked in Hensley Creek?
About 12,980 fish have been stocked in Hensley Creek across 7 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hensley Creek?
Fish stocked in Hensley Creek average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hensley 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 Hensley Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Hensley 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.