North Fork Divide Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Divide Creek was last stocked May 11, 1953 with Brook Trout. North Fork Divide Creek has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1953, with about 24,622 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Divide Creek is stocked
North Fork Divide Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Divide 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 Divide 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 Divide Creek was last stocked May 11, 1953, 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 Divide 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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 Divide 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 Divide Creek, freshest activity first.
Skyline Pond
13 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Copper Mountain Park Pond
10 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2025
Homestake Lake
14 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked June 2025
Kidney Lake
7 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1990
Divide Creek
10 mi3 species · 48 records
Last stocked July 1968
Beefstraight Creek
11 mi3 species · 26 records
Last stocked July 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 1953 | Brook Trout | 481 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1953 | Brook Trout | 481 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 290 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 290 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 270 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 270 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 970 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 970 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1942 | Brook Trout | 6,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Divide Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Divide Creek was last stocked May 11, 1953 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Divide Creek?
North Fork Divide Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is North Fork Divide Creek stocked?
North Fork Divide Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is North Fork Divide Creek stocked?
North Fork Divide Creek is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Divide Creek?
About 24,622 fish have been stocked in North Fork Divide Creek across 13 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Divide Creek?
Fish stocked in North Fork Divide Creek average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Divide 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 Divide Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Divide 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.