Baker Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Baker Creek was last stocked July 27, 1954 with Rainbow Trout. Baker Creek has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1954, with about 163,508 fish stocked over that period.
When Baker Creek is stocked
Baker Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in April — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Baker 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 Baker 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 Baker Creek was last stocked July 27, 1954, 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 Baker 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 Baker 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Baker Creek, freshest activity first.
Twin Lake, Lower
7 mi4 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2013
East Gallatin River
5 mi4 species · 51 records
Last stocked August 1995
Hyalite Creek
9 mi3 species · 109 records
Last stocked July 1980
Jackson Creek
8 mi3 species · 42 records
Last stocked July 1960
Reese Creek
8 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 1953
Bullrun Creek
5 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1950 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1949 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1947 | Brook Trout | 18,330 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1947 | Brook Trout | 18,330 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1946 | Brook Trout | 3,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1946 | Brook Trout | 3,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1946 | Brook Trout | 3,542 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1939 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1939 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1937 | Brook Trout | 13,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1937 | Brook Trout | 13,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1934 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1934 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1933 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1933 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Baker Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Baker Creek was last stocked July 27, 1954 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Baker Creek?
Baker Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Baker Creek stocked?
Baker Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in April.
How often is Baker Creek stocked?
Baker Creek is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Baker Creek?
About 163,508 fish have been stocked in Baker Creek across 20 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Baker Creek?
Fish stocked in Baker Creek average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Baker 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 Baker Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Baker 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.