Ophir Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ophir Creek was last stocked May 12, 1954 with Brown Trout. Ophir Creek has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–1954, with about 142,310 fish stocked over that period.
When Ophir Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ophir 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 Ophir 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 Ophir Creek was last stocked May 12, 1954, 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 Ophir 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.
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 Ophir 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 Ophir Creek, freshest activity first.
George Lake
7 mi1 species · 41 records
Last stocked August 2025
Fish Lake
2 mi3 species · 33 records
Last stocked July 2017
Cherry Creek
9 mi5 species · 50 records
Last stocked April 2012
Snowshoe Creek
2 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1954
Telegraph Creek
10 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 1953
Camas Creek
12 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 1952
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 1954 | Brown Trout | 21,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Brown Trout | 2,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1952 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1951 | Brown Trout | 14,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1951 | Brown Trout | 14,720 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1950 | Brown Trout | 10,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1950 | Brown Trout | 10,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1949 | Brown Trout | 11,155 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 1949 | Brown Trout | 11,155 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1948 | Brown Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1948 | Brown Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ophir Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ophir Creek was last stocked May 12, 1954 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ophir Creek?
Ophir Creek is stocked with Brown Trout.
How often is Ophir Creek stocked?
Ophir Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 11 recorded stockings between 1948 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Ophir Creek?
About 142,310 fish have been stocked in Ophir Creek across 11 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ophir Creek?
Fish stocked in Ophir Creek average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ophir 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 Ophir Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Ophir 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.