Smoke Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–1979 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smoke Creek was last stocked May 22, 1979 with Rainbow Trout. Smoke Creek has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–1979, with about 71,002 fish stocked over that period.
When Smoke Creek is stocked
Smoke Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smoke 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 Smoke 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 Smoke Creek was last stocked May 22, 1979, 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 Smoke 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 Smoke 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 Smoke Creek, freshest activity first.
Knudsen Bros Pond
18 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Ikes Fishing Pond
13 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hofman Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2025
Big Muddy Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 49 records
Last stocked May 2022
Big Horn Dam
6 mi1 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2008
Engstrom Pond
15 mi9 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2004
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1971 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1971 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Smoke Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smoke Creek was last stocked May 22, 1979 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Smoke Creek?
Smoke Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Smoke Creek stocked?
Smoke Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Smoke Creek stocked?
Smoke Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 23 recorded stockings between 1970 and 1979.
How many fish have been stocked in Smoke Creek?
About 71,002 fish have been stocked in Smoke Creek across 23 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Smoke Creek?
Fish stocked in Smoke Creek average about 8.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smoke 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 Smoke Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Smoke 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.