Threemile Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Threemile Creek was last stocked July 14, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Threemile Creek has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1953, with about 231,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Threemile Creek is stocked
Threemile Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Threemile 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 Threemile 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 Threemile Creek was last stocked July 14, 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 Threemile 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 Threemile 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 Threemile Creek, freshest activity first.
Beavertail Pond
10 mi3 species · 271 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lakes
2 mi5 species · 138 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wyman Creek
10 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 1991
Alder Creek
6 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1951
Gilbert Creek
6 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked July 1951
Ranch Creek
1 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1949
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1947 | Brown Trout | 6,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1941 | Brown Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1941 | Brown Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1933 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Threemile Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Threemile Creek was last stocked July 14, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Threemile Creek?
Threemile Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Threemile Creek stocked?
Threemile Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Threemile Creek stocked?
Threemile Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 29 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Threemile Creek?
About 231,520 fish have been stocked in Threemile Creek across 29 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Threemile Creek?
Fish stocked in Threemile Creek average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Threemile 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 Threemile Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Threemile 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.