West Fork Stillwater River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1943–1972 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Fork Stillwater River was last stocked April 20, 1972 with Cutthroat Trout. West Fork Stillwater River has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1943–1972, with about 315,560 fish stocked over that period.
When West Fork Stillwater River is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for West Fork Stillwater 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 Fork Stillwater 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 Fork Stillwater River was last stocked April 20, 1972, 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 Fork Stillwater 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 Fork Stillwater 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 Fork Stillwater River, freshest activity first.
West Fishtail Creek Lake 40
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 2024
Chrome Lake
6 mi4 species · 19 records
Last stocked September 2024
Otie Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked November 2007
Bad Canyon Creek
4 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2004
West Fishtail Creek Lake 41A
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 1992
Picket Pin Creek
7 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked November 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 9,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 9,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 92,800 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 92,800 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 23, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was West Fork Stillwater River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Fork Stillwater River was last stocked April 20, 1972 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in West Fork Stillwater River?
West Fork Stillwater River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is West Fork Stillwater River stocked?
West Fork Stillwater River is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1943 and 1972.
How many fish have been stocked in West Fork Stillwater River?
About 315,560 fish have been stocked in West Fork Stillwater River across 10 recorded events since 1943, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in West Fork Stillwater River?
Fish stocked in West Fork Stillwater River average about 24.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish West Fork Stillwater 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 Fork Stillwater River?
Freshly stocked trout in West Fork Stillwater 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.