Nez Perce Fork Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nez Perce Fork was last stocked July 12, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout. Nez Perce Fork has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–1951, with about 271,720 fish stocked over that period.
When Nez Perce Fork is stocked
Nez Perce Fork is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nez Perce Fork
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 Nez Perce Fork, 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 Nez Perce Fork was last stocked July 12, 1951, 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 Nez Perce Fork:
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 Nez Perce Fork
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 Nez Perce Fork, freshest activity first.
Piquett Lake
6 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2008
Painted Rocks Reservior
7 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 1984
Capri Lake
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1979
Lake Crystal
7 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1977
Lake Turbid
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1969
Overwhich Creek
9 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,850 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,850 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,030 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,030 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 72,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 49,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 49,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Nez Perce Fork last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nez Perce Fork was last stocked July 12, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Nez Perce Fork?
Nez Perce Fork is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Nez Perce Fork stocked?
Nez Perce Fork is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Nez Perce Fork stocked?
Nez Perce Fork has been stocked about 2 times a year — 24 recorded stockings between 1940 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in Nez Perce Fork?
About 271,720 fish have been stocked in Nez Perce Fork across 24 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nez Perce Fork?
Fish stocked in Nez Perce Fork average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nez Perce Fork?
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 Nez Perce Fork?
Freshly stocked trout in Nez Perce Fork 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.