South Fork Dearborn River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Dearborn River was last stocked April 20, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. South Fork Dearborn River has 79 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1973, with about 358,881 fish stocked over that period.
When South Fork Dearborn River is stocked
South Fork Dearborn River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Fork Dearborn 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 South Fork Dearborn 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 South Fork Dearborn River was last stocked April 20, 1973, 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 South Fork Dearborn 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.
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 South Fork Dearborn 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 South Fork Dearborn River, freshest activity first.
Bean Lake
14 mi4 species · 124 records
Last stocked July 2005
Pollack Pond
13 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked July 1981
Dearborn Ranch Pond #2
4 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 1973
Dearborn River
14 mi3 species · 95 records
Last stocked July 1973
Unnamed trib to MF Dearborn R 11
10 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked July 1973
Craig Pond
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1971
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 342 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 342 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 532 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 532 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 405 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 405 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 337 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 337 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 334 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,235 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,240 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,240 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1965 | Brook Trout | 640 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1965 | Brook Trout | 640 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,840 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,840 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 945 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 945 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,960 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,960 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,014 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,112 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,112 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,112 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,760 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 880 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 880 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,680 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 79 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was South Fork Dearborn River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Dearborn River was last stocked April 20, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Fork Dearborn River?
South Fork Dearborn River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is South Fork Dearborn River stocked?
South Fork Dearborn River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is South Fork Dearborn River stocked?
South Fork Dearborn River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 79 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in South Fork Dearborn River?
About 358,881 fish have been stocked in South Fork Dearborn River across 79 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Fork Dearborn River?
Fish stocked in South Fork Dearborn River average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Fork Dearborn 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 South Fork Dearborn River?
Freshly stocked trout in South Fork Dearborn 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.