North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1957 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 was last stocked August 17, 1957 with Cutthroat Trout. North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1957, with about 47,620 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11
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 Lake 11, 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 Lake 11 was last stocked August 17, 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 North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11:
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 North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11
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 Lake 11, freshest activity first.
Avalanche Lake
8 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2024
Ovis Lake
3 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2016
Aldridge Lake
8 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 1993
North Fork Bear Creek
3 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 1963
Mulherin Creek
8 mi2 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1962
Cinnabar Creek
9 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked September 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,240 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 10,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 was last stocked August 17, 1957 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11?
North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 stocked?
North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1957.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11?
About 47,620 fish have been stocked in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 across 6 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11?
Fish stocked in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11?
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 Lake 11?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Bear Creek Lake 11 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.