North Fork Flathead River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1927–1961 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Flathead River was last stocked June 19, 1961 with Cutthroat Trout. North Fork Flathead River has 99 stocking records on file, spanning 1927–1961, with about 1,745,178 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Flathead River is stocked
North Fork Flathead River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Flathead River
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 River, 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 River was last stocked June 19, 1961, 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 River:
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 Flathead River
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near North Fork Flathead River, freshest activity first.
Lake Five
2 mi8 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Halfmoon Lake
3 mi5 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fawn Lake
10 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2025
Rivers Edge Pond
8 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2025
Spoon Lake
3 mi4 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2017
Montana Veterans Home Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2000
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 218 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 218 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,562 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,562 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,562 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,762 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,762 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,762 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,762 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,940 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,940 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,940 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,920 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,920 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,720 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,720 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 936 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 936 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 39,360 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 39,360 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,850 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,850 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,057 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,057 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,680 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,680 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,840 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,840 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,540 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,540 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,370 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,370 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,720 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,720 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 99 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Flathead River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Flathead River was last stocked June 19, 1961 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Flathead River?
North Fork Flathead River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is North Fork Flathead River stocked?
North Fork Flathead River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is North Fork Flathead River stocked?
North Fork Flathead River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 99 recorded stockings between 1927 and 1961.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Flathead River?
About 1,745,178 fish have been stocked in North Fork Flathead River across 99 recorded events since 1927, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Flathead River?
Fish stocked in North Fork Flathead River average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Flathead River?
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 River?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Flathead River 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.