Slate Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Slate Creek was last stocked August 28, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout. Slate Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–1951, with about 45,240 fish stocked over that period.
When Slate Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Slate 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 Slate 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 Slate Creek was last stocked August 28, 1951, 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 Slate 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Slate 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Slate Creek, freshest activity first.
Capri Lake
12 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1979
West Fork Bitterroot River
12 mi3 species · 171 records
Last stocked July 1979
East Fork Bitterroot River
12 mi2 species · 135 records
Last stocked June 1973
Pass Lake
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1952
Reimel Creek
2 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 1949
Reynolds Creek
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1949
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1951 | Coho Salmon | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1951 | Coho Salmon | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,280 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,280 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,840 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,840 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Slate Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Slate Creek was last stocked August 28, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Slate Creek?
Slate Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Coho Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Slate Creek stocked?
Slate Creek is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1941 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in Slate Creek?
About 45,240 fish have been stocked in Slate Creek across 10 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Slate Creek?
Fish stocked in Slate Creek average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Slate 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 Slate Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Slate 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.