Tule Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tule Creek was last stocked April 29, 1971 with Brook Trout. Tule Creek has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–1971, with about 19,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tule 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 Tule 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 Tule Creek was last stocked April 29, 1971, 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 Tule 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.
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 Tule 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 Tule Creek, freshest activity first.
Marottek Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2011
Crandall Reservoir
11 mi4 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2008
Lee Pond
14 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2007
Mason Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1978
McGowan Reservoir
15 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1976
McCrea Reservoir
8 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1975
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 29, 1971 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1970 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1970 | Brook Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Tule Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tule Creek was last stocked April 29, 1971 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tule Creek?
Tule Creek is stocked with Brook Trout.
How often is Tule Creek stocked?
Tule Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 1970 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Tule Creek?
About 19,000 fish have been stocked in Tule Creek across 3 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tule Creek?
Fish stocked in Tule Creek average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tule 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 Tule Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Tule 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.