Hound Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hound Creek was last stocked July 6, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. Hound Creek has 89 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1973, with about 621,235 fish stocked over that period.
When Hound Creek is stocked
Hound Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 42 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hound 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 Hound 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 Hound Creek was last stocked July 6, 1973, 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 Hound 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 Hound 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 Hound Creek, freshest activity first.
East Fork Reservoir
17 mi4 species · 240 records
Last stocked August 2025
Borgstrom Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2019
Woodland Estates Pond
14 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2012
Kleffner Pond
18 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked May 1976
Smith River
14 mi5 species · 353 records
Last stocked July 1973
Mill Coulee
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1961
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 105 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 105 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,364 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,364 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 556 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 556 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 864 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 864 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 5,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,554 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 89 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Hound Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hound Creek was last stocked July 6, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hound Creek?
Hound Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Hound Creek stocked?
Hound Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Hound Creek stocked?
Hound Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 89 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in Hound Creek?
About 621,235 fish have been stocked in Hound Creek across 89 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hound Creek?
Fish stocked in Hound Creek average about 6.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hound 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 Hound Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Hound 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.