Little Bitterroot River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Bitterroot River was last stocked September 4, 1990 with Rainbow Trout. Little Bitterroot River has 50 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1990, with about 737,925 fish stocked over that period.
When Little Bitterroot River is stocked
Little Bitterroot River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Little Bitterroot River
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 Little Bitterroot River, 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 Little Bitterroot River was last stocked September 4, 1990, 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 Little Bitterroot River:
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 Little Bitterroot River
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 Little Bitterroot River, freshest activity first.
Ninepipes Pond (Allentown)
12 mi1 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Ninepipe Reservoir
11 mi4 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2005
Kicking Horse Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 40 records
Last stocked July 1991
Jocko River
12 mi2 species · 203 records
Last stocked June 1991
Martin Creek
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked October 1990
Lower Crow Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked October 1981
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 4,080 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 4,080 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 6,005 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,099 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,099 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 3,602 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 3,602 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 5,900 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 5,900 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 6,003 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 6,003 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 5,990 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 5,990 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 5,418 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 5,418 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 5,002 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 5,002 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1953 | Brook Trout | 22,720 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1953 | Brook Trout | 27,928 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1953 | Brook Trout | 22,720 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1953 | Brook Trout | 27,928 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 34,752 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,060 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,060 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 22,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 22,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1938 | Brook Trout | 34,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1938 | Brook Trout | 34,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1937 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1937 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1933 | Brook Trout | 11,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1932 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1932 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1929 | Rainbow Trout | 100,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1929 | Rainbow Trout | 100,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1928 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1928 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Little Bitterroot River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Bitterroot River was last stocked September 4, 1990 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Little Bitterroot River?
Little Bitterroot River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Little Bitterroot River stocked?
Little Bitterroot River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Little Bitterroot River stocked?
Little Bitterroot River is stocked intermittently — 50 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Little Bitterroot River?
About 737,925 fish have been stocked in Little Bitterroot River across 50 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Little Bitterroot River?
Fish stocked in Little Bitterroot River average about 10.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Little Bitterroot River?
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 Little Bitterroot River?
Freshly stocked trout in Little Bitterroot River 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.