North Fork Sun River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Sun River was last stocked June 9, 2008 with Arctic Grayling. North Fork Sun River has 137 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2008, with about 2,015,653 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fork Sun River is stocked
North Fork Sun River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 67 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fork Sun 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 Sun 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 Sun River was last stocked June 9, 2008, 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 Sun 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Sun 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 Sun River, freshest activity first.
Renshaw Lake
8 mi5 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2025
Twin Lakes 1
5 mi3 species · 126 records
Last stocked July 2022
South Fork Sun River
0 mi3 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2001
Wood Creek
10 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked June 1966
Diversion Lake
6 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 1953
Mortimer Gulch
5 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1949
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 124,800 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 124,800 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 125,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 125,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 75,980 | 0.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 75,980 | 0.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 38,000 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 38,000 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,802 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,802 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,800 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,802 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,802 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,800 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 1,800 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,598 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,598 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,496 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,496 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,782 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,792 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,800 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,800 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,815 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,400 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,400 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1999 | Arctic Grayling | 1,400 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,380 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,380 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,880 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,880 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,288 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,288 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,288 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,288 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 976 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 976 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 137 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was North Fork Sun River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fork Sun River was last stocked June 9, 2008 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in North Fork Sun River?
North Fork Sun River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is North Fork Sun River stocked?
North Fork Sun River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is North Fork Sun River stocked?
North Fork Sun River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 137 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fork Sun River?
About 2,015,653 fish have been stocked in North Fork Sun River across 137 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fork Sun River?
Fish stocked in North Fork Sun River average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fork Sun 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 Sun River?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fork Sun 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.