Spotted Bear River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1927–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spotted Bear River was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout. Spotted Bear River has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1927–1950, with about 792,600 fish stocked over that period.
When Spotted Bear River is stocked
Spotted Bear River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spotted Bear 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 Spotted Bear 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 Spotted Bear River was last stocked August 18, 1950, 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 Spotted Bear 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.
Recommended Tackle for Spotted Bear 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Spotted Bear River, freshest activity first.
Glen Lake
11 mi4 species · 245 records
Last stocked May 2026
Spotted Bear Lake
2 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2024
Soldier Lake
6 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2001
Elman Pond
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1999
Rose Creek
8 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1986
Bond Lake
10 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 32,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 32,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,600 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,600 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,200 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,200 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1927 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1927 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1927 | Cutthroat Trout | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1927 | Cutthroat Trout | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Spotted Bear River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spotted Bear River was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spotted Bear River?
Spotted Bear River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Spotted Bear River stocked?
Spotted Bear River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Spotted Bear River stocked?
Spotted Bear River is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1927 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in Spotted Bear River?
About 792,600 fish have been stocked in Spotted Bear River across 28 recorded events since 1927, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spotted Bear River?
Fish stocked in Spotted Bear River average about 40.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spotted Bear 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 Spotted Bear River?
Freshly stocked trout in Spotted Bear 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.