Hoover Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hoover Creek was last stocked July 9, 1954 with Rainbow Trout. Hoover Creek has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–1954, with about 163,680 fish stocked over that period.
When Hoover Creek is stocked
Hoover Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hoover 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 Hoover 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 Hoover Creek was last stocked July 9, 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 Hoover 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.
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.
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 Hoover 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 Hoover Creek, freshest activity first.
Rhoda Lake
9 mi3 species · 37 records
Last stocked July 2023
Nebel Coulee
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1997
McGuire Reservoir 1
16 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 1987
McGuire Reservoir 2
17 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 1987
Logging Creek
11 mi3 species · 105 records
Last stocked August 1976
Jefferson Creek
9 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1955
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,240 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,240 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1945 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1945 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1944 | Brook Trout | 17,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1944 | Brook Trout | 17,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1934 | Brook Trout | 8,260 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1934 | Brook Trout | 8,260 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hoover Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hoover Creek was last stocked July 9, 1954 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hoover Creek?
Hoover Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Hoover Creek stocked?
Hoover Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Hoover Creek stocked?
Hoover Creek is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1934 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Hoover Creek?
About 163,680 fish have been stocked in Hoover Creek across 24 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hoover Creek?
Fish stocked in Hoover Creek average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hoover 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 Hoover Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Hoover 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.