Mullan Gulch Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–1957 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mullan Gulch was last stocked July 12, 1957 with Rainbow Trout. Mullan Gulch has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–1957, with about 61,480 fish stocked over that period.
When Mullan Gulch is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mullan Gulch
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 Mullan Gulch, 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 Mullan Gulch was last stocked July 12, 1957, 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 Mullan Gulch:
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 Mullan Gulch
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 Mullan Gulch, freshest activity first.
Cedar Lake
8 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 2024
Chilcott Pond
5 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2018
Cherry Creek
6 mi5 species · 50 records
Last stocked April 2012
Conleys Lake
8 mi3 species · 23 records
Last stocked July 1990
Upper Taylor Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1990
Tin Cup Joe Creek
5 mi3 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 1960
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mullan Gulch last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mullan Gulch was last stocked July 12, 1957 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mullan Gulch?
Mullan Gulch is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Mullan Gulch stocked?
Mullan Gulch is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1934 and 1957.
How many fish have been stocked in Mullan Gulch?
About 61,480 fish have been stocked in Mullan Gulch across 6 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mullan Gulch?
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 Mullan Gulch?
Freshly stocked trout in Mullan Gulch 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.