Ruby River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ruby River was last stocked June 10, 2008 with Arctic Grayling. Ruby River has 185 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–2008, with about 3,108,290 fish stocked over that period.
When Ruby River is stocked
Ruby River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 65 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ruby 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 Ruby 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 Ruby River was last stocked June 10, 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 Ruby 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 Ruby 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 Ruby River, freshest activity first.
Gheny Pond
1 mi2 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2020
Cherry Lake
11 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2012
Twin Bridges Gravel Pond
1 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2011
Bayers Pond Lower
5 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2005
Bayers Pond Upper
5 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2005
Big Hole River
4 mi5 species · 893 records
Last stocked August 1993
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 114,400 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 114,400 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 185,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 185,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 15,000 | 0.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 15,000 | 0.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 140,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 140,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 14,784 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 24,925 | 0.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 131,131 | 0.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 131,131 | 0.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 1,738 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 1,738 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 6,968 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 5,764 | 8.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 5,764 | 8.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 6,968 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 40,320 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 40,320 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 1,055 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 1,055 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,625 | 8.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,967 | 8.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,967 | 8.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,625 | 8.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 4,990 | 8.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 4,990 | 8.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,808 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,808 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 6,418 | 8.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 6,418 | 8.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 2,179 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 208 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 208 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,475 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,475 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 30,800 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 801 | 8.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,827 | 8.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 801 | 8.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 222,600 | 0.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 222,600 | 0.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 222,600 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 222,600 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,435 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,435 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 5,240 | 8.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 6,946 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 1,620 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 185 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Ruby River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ruby River was last stocked June 10, 2008 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Ruby River?
Ruby River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Ruby River stocked?
Ruby River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Ruby River stocked?
Ruby River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 185 recorded stockings between 1932 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Ruby River?
About 3,108,290 fish have been stocked in Ruby River across 185 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ruby River?
Fish stocked in Ruby River average about 6.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ruby 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 Ruby River?
Freshly stocked trout in Ruby 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.