North Fork Bear Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–1963 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Bear Creek was last stocked July 9, 1963 with Rainbow Trout. North Fork Bear Creek has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–1963, with about 128,458 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Bear Creek is stocked
North Fork Bear Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Bear 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 North Fork Bear 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 North Fork Bear Creek was last stocked July 9, 1963, 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 North Fork Bear 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 North Fork Bear 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 North Fork Bear Creek, freshest activity first.
Avalanche Lake
6 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2024
Ovis Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2016
Aldridge Lake
9 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 1993
Beaver Ponds
9 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1981
Mulherin Creek
9 mi2 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1962
North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11
3 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1957
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,044 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,044 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 3,642 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 3,642 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 10,480 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 10,480 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,760 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,760 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Bear Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Bear Creek was last stocked July 9, 1963 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Bear Creek?
North Fork Bear Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is North Fork Bear Creek stocked?
North Fork Bear Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is North Fork Bear Creek stocked?
North Fork Bear Creek is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1940 and 1963.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Bear Creek?
About 128,458 fish have been stocked in North Fork Bear Creek across 18 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Bear Creek?
Fish stocked in North Fork Bear Creek average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Bear 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 North Fork Bear Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Bear 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.