Bangtail Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bangtail Creek was last stocked May 26, 1953 with Brook Trout. Bangtail Creek has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1953, with about 83,720 fish stocked over that period.
When Bangtail Creek is stocked
Bangtail Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bangtail 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 Bangtail 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 Bangtail Creek was last stocked May 26, 1953, 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 Bangtail 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Bangtail 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 Bangtail Creek, freshest activity first.
Sacajawea Park Lagoon
11 mi2 species · 193 records
Last stocked March 2026
Fleshman Creek
12 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1995
Shields River
8 mi4 species · 96 records
Last stocked March 1970
Brackett Creek
4 mi4 species · 67 records
Last stocked July 1968
Hetzil Pond
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1958
Little Mission Creek
16 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 1953 | Brook Trout | 10,720 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1952 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1952 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1948 | Brown Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1948 | Brown Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1946 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1946 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1945 | Brown Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 7, 1945 | Brown Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1944 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1943 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1943 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1942 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bangtail Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bangtail Creek was last stocked May 26, 1953 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bangtail Creek?
Bangtail Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Bangtail Creek stocked?
Bangtail Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Bangtail Creek stocked?
Bangtail Creek is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Bangtail Creek?
About 83,720 fish have been stocked in Bangtail Creek across 13 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bangtail Creek?
Fish stocked in Bangtail Creek average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bangtail 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 Bangtail Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Bangtail 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.