Badger Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1925–1991 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Badger Creek was last stocked August 20, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout. Badger Creek has 127 stocking records on file, spanning 1925–1991, with about 1,851,424 fish stocked over that period.
When Badger Creek is stocked
Badger Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 32 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Badger 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 Badger 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 Badger Creek was last stocked August 20, 1991, 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 Badger 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.
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.
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 Badger 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 Badger Creek, freshest activity first.
Mission Lake
6 mi6 species · 179 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kipp Lake
13 mi2 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Frances
20 mi5 species · 181 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cut Bank Creek
16 mi4 species · 285 records
Last stocked July 2009
Four Horns Lake
11 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Cemetary Lake
21 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,401 | 13.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,401 | 13.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 1979 | Brook Trout | 2,533 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1979 | Brook Trout | 2,533 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1978 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,835 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,835 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,295 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,295 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,442 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,442 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,804 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,804 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,601 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,601 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,270 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,270 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,190 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,262 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,618 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,338 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,338 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,511 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,511 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,498 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,544 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,498 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,496 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,544 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,496 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 10,009 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 10,009 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 127 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Badger Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Badger Creek was last stocked August 20, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Badger Creek?
Badger Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Badger Creek stocked?
Badger Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is Badger Creek stocked?
Badger Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 127 recorded stockings between 1925 and 1991.
How many fish have been stocked in Badger Creek?
About 1,851,424 fish have been stocked in Badger Creek across 127 recorded events since 1925, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Badger Creek?
Fish stocked in Badger Creek average about 5.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Badger 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 Badger Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Badger 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.