Spokane Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–2001 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spokane Creek was last stocked February 5, 2001 with Kokanee. Spokane Creek has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–2001, with about 1,905,100 fish stocked over that period.
When Spokane Creek is stocked
Spokane Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in June — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spokane 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 Spokane 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 Spokane Creek was last stocked February 5, 2001, 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 Spokane 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).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Spokane 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 Spokane Creek, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 80 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hauser Reservoir
2 mi10 species · 897 records
Last stocked April 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
12 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Rock Creek
10 mi6 species · 595 records
Last stocked May 2013
Johnson Pond
4 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2001 | Kokanee | 658,300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 5, 2001 | Kokanee | 658,300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1938 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1938 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1935 | Brown Trout | 144,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1935 | Brown Trout | 144,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 1933 | Brown Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 1933 | Brown Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 1932 | Brown Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1932 | Brown Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1932 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1932 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1932 | Brown Trout | 40,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Spokane Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spokane Creek was last stocked February 5, 2001 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Spokane Creek?
Spokane Creek is stocked with Kokanee and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Spokane Creek stocked?
Spokane Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in June.
How often is Spokane Creek stocked?
Spokane Creek is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1932 and 2001.
How many fish have been stocked in Spokane Creek?
About 1,905,100 fish have been stocked in Spokane Creek across 13 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spokane Creek?
Fish stocked in Spokane Creek average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spokane 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 Spokane Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Spokane 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.