Stoner Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stoner Creek was last stocked April 8, 1986 with Kokanee. Stoner Creek has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–1986, with about 267,900 fish stocked over that period.
When Stoner Creek is stocked
Stoner Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stoner 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 Stoner 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 Stoner Creek was last stocked April 8, 1986, 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 Stoner 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.
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 Stoner 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 Stoner Creek, freshest activity first.
Ashley Creek
6 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2012
Mcgilvray Lake
9 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2006
Flathead Lake
8 mi14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Elliot Creek
6 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 1997
Swan River
4 mi3 species · 299 records
Last stocked September 1992
Church Slough
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 8, 1986 | Kokanee | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1986 | Kokanee | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1954 | Kokanee | 16,411 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1954 | Kokanee | 16,411 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1952 | Brook Trout | 512 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1952 | Brook Trout | 512 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 231 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 231 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1948 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1948 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1947 | Brook Trout | 14,140 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1947 | Brook Trout | 14,140 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1941 | Brook Trout | 48,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1941 | Brook Trout | 48,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stoner Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stoner Creek was last stocked April 8, 1986 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Stoner Creek?
Stoner Creek is stocked with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Stoner Creek stocked?
Stoner Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Stoner Creek stocked?
Stoner Creek is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1941 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Stoner Creek?
About 267,900 fish have been stocked in Stoner Creek across 24 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stoner Creek?
Fish stocked in Stoner Creek average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stoner 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 Stoner Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Stoner 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.