Moose Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moose Creek was last stocked July 3, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. Moose Creek has 83 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1973, with about 839,880 fish stocked over that period.
When Moose Creek is stocked
Moose Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 26 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Moose 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 Moose 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 Moose Creek was last stocked July 3, 1973, 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 Moose 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 Moose 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 Moose Creek, freshest activity first.
Spring Meadow Lake
10 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Park Lake
5 mi3 species · 91 records
Last stocked July 2021
Miller Creek
10 mi2 species · 27 records
Last stocked July 2008
Conklin Pond
6 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1995
Crow Creek
8 mi4 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 1991
North Fork Quartz Creek
7 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 144 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 144 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 228 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 135 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 135 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,920 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,920 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 11,250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 11,250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1947 | Brown Trout | 13,348 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1947 | Brown Trout | 13,348 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 83 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Moose Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moose Creek was last stocked July 3, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Moose Creek?
Moose Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Moose Creek stocked?
Moose Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Moose Creek stocked?
Moose Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 83 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in Moose Creek?
About 839,880 fish have been stocked in Moose Creek across 83 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Moose Creek?
Fish stocked in Moose Creek average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Moose 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 Moose Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Moose 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.