Musselshell River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Musselshell River was last stocked July 20, 1982 with Rainbow Trout. Musselshell River has 573 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1982, with about 6,921,556 fish stocked over that period.
When Musselshell River is stocked
Musselshell River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 151 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Musselshell 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 Musselshell 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 Musselshell River was last stocked July 20, 1982, 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 Musselshell 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Musselshell 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Musselshell River, freshest activity first.
Cow Creek Reservoir
17 mi7 species · 72 records
Last stocked October 2025
Petrolia Reservoir
15 mi8 species · 74 records
Last stocked June 2025
Manuel Reservoir #2
14 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Gremmert Couulee Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2015
Dejaeger Reservoir #1
15 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2015
Shed Dam Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 5,038 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 5,038 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1982 | Smallmouth Bass | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 2,224 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 2,224 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 2,937 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 2,937 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1981 | Smallmouth Bass | 55,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,548 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,548 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,548 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1980 | Smallmouth Bass | 22,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1980 | Smallmouth Bass | 22,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1980 | Smallmouth Bass | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 856 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 856 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1979 | Smallmouth Bass | 33,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1979 | Smallmouth Bass | 33,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,849 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,849 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,244 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,244 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1978 | Smallmouth Bass | 33,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1978 | Smallmouth Bass | 33,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1977 | Smallmouth Bass | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1977 | Smallmouth Bass | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,978 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,978 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,182 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,346 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,346 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,672 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,672 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Musselshell River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Musselshell River was last stocked July 20, 1982 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Musselshell River?
Musselshell River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Brown Trout, Bullhead, Cutthroat Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Musselshell River stocked?
Musselshell River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Musselshell River stocked?
Musselshell River has been stocked about 10 times a year — 573 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Musselshell River?
About 6,921,556 fish have been stocked in Musselshell River across 573 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Musselshell River?
Fish stocked in Musselshell River average about 5.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Musselshell 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 Musselshell River?
Freshly stocked trout in Musselshell 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.