West Boulder River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2007 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Boulder River was last stocked April 18, 2007 with Cutthroat Trout. West Boulder River has 142 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2007, with about 2,579,694 fish stocked over that period.
When West Boulder River is stocked
West Boulder River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in July — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for West Boulder River
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 West Boulder River, 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 West Boulder River was last stocked April 18, 2007, 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 West Boulder River:
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.
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 West Boulder River
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 West Boulder River, freshest activity first.
Spring Creek Campground South Pond
12 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2023
Holman Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 2007
East Boulder River
3 mi3 species · 75 records
Last stocked April 1972
Nurses Lakes 1
12 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1967
Ball Noah Lake
9 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 1967
Little Timber Creek
12 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked April 1963
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 12 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 12 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 13 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 13 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,780 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,780 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,570 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,570 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 11,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 11,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 11,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 11,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1952 | Brown Trout | 6,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1952 | Brown Trout | 6,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1952 | Brown Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1952 | Brown Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1951 | Brown Trout | 3,780 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1951 | Brown Trout | 3,780 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1951 | Brown Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1951 | Brown Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1951 | Brown Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 142 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was West Boulder River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Boulder River was last stocked April 18, 2007 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in West Boulder River?
West Boulder River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is West Boulder River stocked?
West Boulder River is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in July.
How often is West Boulder River stocked?
West Boulder River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 142 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2007.
How many fish have been stocked in West Boulder River?
About 2,579,694 fish have been stocked in West Boulder River across 142 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in West Boulder River?
Fish stocked in West Boulder River average about 9.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish West Boulder River?
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 West Boulder River?
Freshly stocked trout in West Boulder River 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.