Libby Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–1975 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Libby Creek was last stocked July 28, 1975 with Rainbow Trout. Libby Creek has 150 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–1975, with about 1,488,546 fish stocked over that period.
When Libby Creek is stocked
Libby Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 58 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Libby 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 Libby 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 Libby Creek was last stocked July 28, 1975, 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 Libby 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.
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 Libby 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.
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 Libby Creek, freshest activity first.
Bull Lake
5 mi6 species · 361 records
Last stocked May 2026
Libby Pond
1 mi2 species · 93 records
Last stocked June 2025
Flower Creek Lake, Upper
5 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2024
Lower Sky Lake
9 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2021
Flower Creek Lake, Middle
4 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2015
Lake Creek
9 mi3 species · 191 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,568 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,568 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,287 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,287 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,428 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,305 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,463 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,463 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,377 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,377 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 460 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 4,215 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 4,215 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,039 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,039 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,037 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,037 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,298 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,298 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,711 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,711 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 4,092 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 4,092 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 3,999 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 3,999 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 3,604 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 150 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Libby Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Libby Creek was last stocked July 28, 1975 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Libby Creek?
Libby Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Libby Creek stocked?
Libby Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Libby Creek stocked?
Libby Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 150 recorded stockings between 1924 and 1975.
How many fish have been stocked in Libby Creek?
About 1,488,546 fish have been stocked in Libby Creek across 150 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Libby Creek?
Fish stocked in Libby Creek average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Libby 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 Libby Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Libby 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.