North Fork Musselshell River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1929–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Musselshell River was last stocked July 12, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. North Fork Musselshell River has 167 stocking records on file, spanning 1929–1973, with about 1,425,892 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Musselshell River is stocked
North Fork Musselshell River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 38 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Musselshell 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 Musselshell 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 Musselshell River was last stocked July 12, 1973, 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 Musselshell 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.
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.
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 Musselshell 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 Musselshell River, freshest activity first.
Hundred Dollar Bill Pond
6 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martinsdale Reservoir
2 mi4 species · 337 records
Last stocked May 2026
Flagstaff Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1999
South Fork Musselshell River
0 mi4 species · 121 records
Last stocked June 1970
Haymaker Creek
10 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1953
Bonanza Creek
12 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,162 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,162 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 586 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 586 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 469 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 469 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,683 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,683 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,938 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,938 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,570 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,570 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,754 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,754 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,754 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,740 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,740 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,580 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,580 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,670 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 167 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Musselshell River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Musselshell River was last stocked July 12, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Musselshell River?
North Fork Musselshell River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is North Fork Musselshell River stocked?
North Fork Musselshell River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is North Fork Musselshell River stocked?
North Fork Musselshell River has been stocked about 4 times a year — 167 recorded stockings between 1929 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Musselshell River?
About 1,425,892 fish have been stocked in North Fork Musselshell River across 167 recorded events since 1929, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Musselshell River?
Fish stocked in North Fork Musselshell River average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Musselshell 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 Musselshell River?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Musselshell 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.