Steel Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Steel Creek was last stocked July 13, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout. Steel Creek has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1954, with about 357,946 fish stocked over that period.
When Steel Creek is stocked
Steel Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Steel 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 Steel 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 Steel Creek was last stocked July 13, 1954, 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 Steel 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Steel 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 Steel Creek, freshest activity first.
Bobcat Lakes
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2025
Schwinegar Lake
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2025
Harrison Lake
10 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stone Lakes
9 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stone Lakes 3
10 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2022
Sand Lake
9 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 1979
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 700 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 700 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,163 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,163 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,480 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,480 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,886 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,886 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 4,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 4,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,424 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,424 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 90,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 90,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Steel Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Steel Creek was last stocked July 13, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Steel Creek?
Steel Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Steel Creek stocked?
Steel Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Steel Creek stocked?
Steel Creek is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Steel Creek?
About 357,946 fish have been stocked in Steel Creek across 28 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Steel Creek?
Fish stocked in Steel Creek average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Steel 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 Steel Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Steel 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.