North Fork Flathead Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Flathead Creek was last stocked September 10, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout. North Fork Flathead Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1951, with about 70,000 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Flathead Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Flathead 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 Flathead 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 Flathead Creek was last stocked September 10, 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 North Fork Flathead 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for North Fork Flathead 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 Flathead Creek, freshest activity first.
Fairy Lake
6 mi2 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bridger Bowl Pond
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1993
Cottonwood Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1990
Muddy Creek
13 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 1971
Porcupine Creek
8 mi4 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 1954
North Fork Elk Creek
14 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Flathead Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Flathead Creek was last stocked September 10, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Flathead Creek?
North Fork Flathead Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brown Trout.
How often is North Fork Flathead Creek stocked?
North Fork Flathead Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 10 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Flathead Creek?
About 70,000 fish have been stocked in North Fork Flathead Creek across 10 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Flathead Creek?
Fish stocked in North Fork Flathead Creek average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Flathead 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 Flathead Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Flathead 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.