Ray Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1953–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ray Creek was last stocked July 28, 1953 with Rainbow Trout. Ray Creek has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1953–1953, with about 5,505 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ray 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 Ray 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 Ray Creek was last stocked July 28, 1953, 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 Ray 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.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Ray 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 Ray Creek, freshest activity first.
Indian Road Pond
6 mi2 species · 90 records
Last stocked May 2026
Weasel Lake
2 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2025
Canyon Ferry Lake
5 mi7 species · 2261 records
Last stocked September 2025
Edith Lake
9 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked September 2025
Upper Baldy Lake
10 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2025
Grace Lake
11 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ray Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ray Creek was last stocked July 28, 1953 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ray Creek?
Ray Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Ray Creek stocked?
Ray Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 1953 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Ray Creek?
About 5,505 fish have been stocked in Ray Creek across 3 recorded events since 1953, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ray Creek?
Fish stocked in Ray Creek average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ray 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 Ray Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Ray 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.