Stone Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stone Creek was last stocked October 11, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout. Stone Creek has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1950, with about 35,140 fish stocked over that period.
When Stone Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone Creek was last stocked October 11, 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 Stone 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.
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 Stone 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 Stone Creek, freshest activity first.
Regional Parks Ponds
8 mi1 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 2026
Valley West Pond
8 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cattail Lake
9 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bozeman Pond
8 mi5 species · 389 records
Last stocked September 2025
Elk Grove Community Pond
3 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2025
The Lakes Subdivision
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 11, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,590 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,590 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,680 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 4,340 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 4,340 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stone Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stone Creek was last stocked October 11, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stone Creek?
Stone Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Stone Creek stocked?
Stone Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 9 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in Stone Creek?
About 35,140 fish have been stocked in Stone Creek across 9 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stone Creek?
Fish stocked in Stone Creek average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stone 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 Stone Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Stone 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.