Martin Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Martin Creek was last stocked October 9, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout. Martin Creek has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–1990, with about 228,516 fish stocked over that period.
When Martin Creek is stocked
Martin Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Martin 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 Martin 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 Martin Creek was last stocked October 9, 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 Martin 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 Martin 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 Martin Creek, freshest activity first.
Ninepipes Pond (Allentown)
12 mi1 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pablo Reservoir
7 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2008
Turtle Lake
11 mi4 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2008
Ninepipe Reservoir
11 mi4 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2005
Kicking Horse Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 40 records
Last stocked July 1991
Little Bitterroot River
6 mi3 species · 50 records
Last stocked September 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,038 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,038 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,920 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,920 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Martin Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Martin Creek was last stocked October 9, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Martin Creek?
Martin Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Martin Creek stocked?
Martin Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Martin Creek stocked?
Martin Creek is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 1938 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Martin Creek?
About 228,516 fish have been stocked in Martin Creek across 16 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Martin Creek?
Fish stocked in Martin Creek average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Martin 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 Martin Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Martin 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.