Rock Creek Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rock Creek Lake was last stocked July 28, 1988 with Cutthroat Trout. Rock Creek Lake has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1988, with about 572,067 fish stocked over that period.
When Rock Creek Lake is stocked
Rock Creek Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rock Creek Lake
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 Rock Creek Lake, 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 Rock Creek Lake was last stocked July 28, 1988, 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 Rock Creek Lake:
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 Rock Creek Lake
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 Rock Creek Lake, freshest activity first.
Meadow Lake 4
7 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2011
Trask Lakes 1
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2000
Bohn Lake
7 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1990
Powell Lake
5 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1990
Conleys Lake
5 mi3 species · 23 records
Last stocked July 1990
Trask Lake 2
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,248 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 17,094 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,525 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,512 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 10,360 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 6,630 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 6,575 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 6,355 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 21,750 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 22,080 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 44,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 17,706 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 588 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 12,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,480 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 10,704 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 1,360 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1948 | Brown Trout | 14,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1948 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1947 | Brown Trout | 24,640 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,620 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1943 | Brown Trout | 24,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1941 | Brown Trout | 36,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1940 | Brown Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1937 | Brown Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 1936 | Brown Trout | 7,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1934 | Brook Trout | 14,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rock Creek Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rock Creek Lake was last stocked July 28, 1988 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rock Creek Lake?
Rock Creek Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Rock Creek Lake stocked?
Rock Creek Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Rock Creek Lake stocked?
Rock Creek Lake is stocked intermittently — 39 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Rock Creek Lake?
About 572,067 fish have been stocked in Rock Creek Lake across 39 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rock Creek Lake?
Fish stocked in Rock Creek Lake average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rock Creek Lake?
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 Rock Creek Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Rock Creek Lake 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.