Shields River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1970 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shields River was last stocked March 12, 1970 with Cutthroat Trout. Shields River has 96 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1970, with about 1,488,368 fish stocked over that period.
When Shields River is stocked
Shields River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 27 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shields 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 Shields 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 Shields River was last stocked March 12, 1970, 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 Shields 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.
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 Shields 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 Shields River, freshest activity first.
Sacajawea Park Lagoon
7 mi2 species · 193 records
Last stocked March 2026
Blacktail Lake
13 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2024
Fleshman Creek
7 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1995
Brackett Creek
12 mi4 species · 67 records
Last stocked July 1968
Armstrong Spring Creek
13 mi3 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 1964
Hetzil Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1958
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,030 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,030 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,980 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,980 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,584 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,584 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,575 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,575 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1954 | Brown Trout | 20,416 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1954 | Brown Trout | 20,416 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1954 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1953 | Brown Trout | 16,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1953 | Brown Trout | 16,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1953 | Brown Trout | 25,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1952 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1952 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1952 | Brown Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1952 | Brown Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1951 | Brown Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1951 | Brown Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1951 | Brown Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1951 | Brown Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1948 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1948 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1948 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Brown Trout | 5,296 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Brown Trout | 5,296 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1947 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1947 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,976 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,976 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,728 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1946 | Brown Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1946 | Brown Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 5,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 96 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Shields River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shields River was last stocked March 12, 1970 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shields River?
Shields River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Shields River stocked?
Shields River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Shields River stocked?
Shields River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 96 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1970.
How many fish have been stocked in Shields River?
About 1,488,368 fish have been stocked in Shields River across 96 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shields River?
Fish stocked in Shields River average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shields 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 Shields River?
Freshly stocked trout in Shields 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.