Wolf Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wolf Creek was last stocked July 5, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Wolf Creek has 302 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1989, with about 2,068,142 fish stocked over that period.
When Wolf Creek is stocked
Wolf Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 94 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wolf 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 Wolf 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 Wolf Creek was last stocked July 5, 1989, 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 Wolf 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
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 Wolf 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Wolf Creek, freshest activity first.
Iliad Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2025
Gasvoda Reservoir
19 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2025
Lone Tree Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2025
Slivka Reservoir #2
20 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2015
Als Coulee Reservoir
20 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked April 2014
Slivka Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 5, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 518 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1987 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 354 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 354 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 352 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 352 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 585 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 585 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 302 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Wolf Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wolf Creek was last stocked July 5, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wolf Creek?
Wolf Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Wolf Creek stocked?
Wolf Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Wolf Creek stocked?
Wolf Creek has been stocked about 5 times a year — 302 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Wolf Creek?
About 2,068,142 fish have been stocked in Wolf Creek across 302 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Wolf Creek?
Fish stocked in Wolf Creek average about 7.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wolf 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 Wolf Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Wolf 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.