Kootenai Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kootenai Creek was last stocked August 17, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Kootenai Creek has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1953, with about 47,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Kootenai Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kootenai 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 Kootenai 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 Kootenai Creek was last stocked August 17, 1953, 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 Kootenai 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 Kootenai 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 Kootenai Creek, freshest activity first.
Bass Lake
10 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Holloway Lake
11 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2021
Canyon Lake
2 mi3 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 1990
Middle Fork Lakes
11 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1955
Burnt Fork Bitterroot River
2 mi4 species · 73 records
Last stocked August 1954
Gash Creek
9 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kootenai Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kootenai Creek was last stocked August 17, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kootenai Creek?
Kootenai Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Kootenai Creek stocked?
Kootenai Creek is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Kootenai Creek?
About 47,000 fish have been stocked in Kootenai Creek across 7 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kootenai Creek?
Fish stocked in Kootenai Creek average about 1.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kootenai 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 Kootenai Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Kootenai 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.