Running Wolf Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Running Wolf Creek was last stocked August 8, 1967 with Rainbow Trout. Running Wolf Creek has 236 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1967, with about 2,124,668 fish stocked over that period.
When Running Wolf Creek is stocked
Running Wolf Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 56 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Running Wolf 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 Running Wolf 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 Running Wolf Creek was last stocked August 8, 1967, 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 Running Wolf 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 Running Wolf 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 Running Wolf Creek, freshest activity first.
C-1 Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2004
Surprise Creek Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Dry Wolf Creek
10 mi4 species · 169 records
Last stocked August 1993
Knutson Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1984
Bayers Pond
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1983
Evans Pond
5 mi4 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 455 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 455 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 538 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 538 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1966 | Brook Trout | 7,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 1966 | Brook Trout | 7,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1966 | Brook Trout | 7,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1966 | Brook Trout | 7,480 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 632 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 626 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 626 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,754 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,754 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,264 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1962 | Brook Trout | 18,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1961 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1961 | Brook Trout | 7,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,475 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 525 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 236 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Running Wolf Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Running Wolf Creek was last stocked August 8, 1967 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Running Wolf Creek?
Running Wolf Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Running Wolf Creek stocked?
Running Wolf Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Running Wolf Creek stocked?
Running Wolf Creek has been stocked about 6 times a year — 236 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Running Wolf Creek?
About 2,124,668 fish have been stocked in Running Wolf Creek across 236 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Running Wolf Creek?
Fish stocked in Running Wolf Creek average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Running Wolf 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 Running Wolf Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Running Wolf 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.