Larabee Gulch Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Larabee Gulch was last stocked July 24, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Larabee Gulch has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1953, with about 35,176 fish stocked over that period.
When Larabee Gulch is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Larabee Gulch
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 Larabee Gulch, 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 Larabee Gulch was last stocked July 24, 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 Larabee Gulch:
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 Larabee Gulch
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Larabee Gulch, freshest activity first.
Cedar Lake
10 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 2024
Cherry Creek
9 mi5 species · 50 records
Last stocked April 2012
Moose Creek
12 mi4 species · 83 records
Last stocked July 1973
Snowshoe Creek
12 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1954
Ontario Creek
2 mi2 species · 25 records
Last stocked July 1953
Telegraph Creek
7 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 280 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,248 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,248 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Larabee Gulch last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Larabee Gulch was last stocked July 24, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Larabee Gulch?
Larabee Gulch is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Larabee Gulch stocked?
Larabee Gulch is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Larabee Gulch?
About 35,176 fish have been stocked in Larabee Gulch across 8 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Larabee Gulch?
Fish stocked in Larabee Gulch average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Larabee Gulch?
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 Larabee Gulch?
Freshly stocked trout in Larabee Gulch 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.