Wood Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wood Creek was last stocked June 29, 1966 with Rainbow Trout. Wood Creek has 41 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–1966, with about 347,384 fish stocked over that period.
When Wood Creek is stocked
Wood Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 20 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wood 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 Wood 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 Wood Creek was last stocked June 29, 1966, 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 Wood 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.
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 Wood 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.
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 Wood Creek, freshest activity first.
Renshaw Lake
4 mi5 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2025
Crystal Lake
6 mi8 species · 373 records
Last stocked September 2025
North Fork Sun River
10 mi5 species · 137 records
Last stocked June 2008
South Fork Sun River
10 mi3 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2001
Green Timber Lake
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1956
Fairview Creek
1 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,215 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,215 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 33 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 648 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 648 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,044 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,044 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,216 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,760 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,760 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,862 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 2,862 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 7,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1949 | Brook Trout | 12,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1949 | Brook Trout | 12,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1945 | Brown Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1943 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1943 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1938 | Brook Trout | 14,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1937 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1937 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Wood Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wood Creek was last stocked June 29, 1966 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wood Creek?
Wood Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Wood Creek stocked?
Wood Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Wood Creek stocked?
Wood Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 41 recorded stockings between 1936 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in Wood Creek?
About 347,384 fish have been stocked in Wood Creek across 41 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Wood Creek?
Fish stocked in Wood Creek average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wood 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 Wood Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Wood 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.