Telegraph Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Telegraph Creek was last stocked July 24, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Telegraph Creek has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–1953, with about 127,288 fish stocked over that period.
When Telegraph Creek is stocked
Telegraph Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Telegraph 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 Telegraph 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 Telegraph Creek was last stocked July 24, 1953, 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 Telegraph 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.
Recommended Tackle for Telegraph 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 Telegraph Creek, freshest activity first.
Fish Lake
9 mi3 species · 33 records
Last stocked July 2017
Cherry Creek
10 mi5 species · 50 records
Last stocked April 2012
Moose Creek
9 mi4 species · 83 records
Last stocked July 1973
Snowshoe Creek
9 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1954
Ophir Creek
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1954
Ontario Creek
5 mi2 species · 25 records
Last stocked July 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 560 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 560 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 810 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 810 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 810 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 810 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,744 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,744 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Telegraph Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Telegraph Creek was last stocked July 24, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Telegraph Creek?
Telegraph Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Telegraph Creek stocked?
Telegraph Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Telegraph Creek stocked?
Telegraph Creek is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1937 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Telegraph Creek?
About 127,288 fish have been stocked in Telegraph Creek across 20 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Telegraph Creek?
Fish stocked in Telegraph Creek average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Telegraph 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 Telegraph Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Telegraph 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.