Mulherin Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1962 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mulherin Creek was last stocked July 8, 1962 with Cutthroat Trout. Mulherin Creek has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1962, with about 584,992 fish stocked over that period.
When Mulherin Creek is stocked
Mulherin Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mulherin 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 Mulherin 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 Mulherin Creek was last stocked July 8, 1962, 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 Mulherin 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Mulherin 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 Mulherin Creek, freshest activity first.
Ovis Lake
8 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2016
Yankee Jim Lake
3 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2005
Ferrell Lake
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1997
Aldridge Lake
3 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 1993
Beaver Ponds
6 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1981
North Fork Bear Creek
9 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 1963
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,504 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,504 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,504 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,504 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,558 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,558 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,480 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,480 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 32,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 32,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,250 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,250 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,440 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,440 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,440 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,440 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 44,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 44,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mulherin Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mulherin Creek was last stocked July 8, 1962 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mulherin Creek?
Mulherin Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Mulherin Creek stocked?
Mulherin Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Mulherin Creek stocked?
Mulherin Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 46 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1962.
How many fish have been stocked in Mulherin Creek?
About 584,992 fish have been stocked in Mulherin Creek across 46 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mulherin Creek?
Fish stocked in Mulherin Creek average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mulherin 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 Mulherin Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Mulherin 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.