Big Birch Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Birch Creek was last stocked July 28, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Big Birch Creek has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1953, with about 404,536 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Birch Creek is stocked
Big Birch Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Birch 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 Big Birch 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 Big Birch Creek was last stocked July 28, 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 Big Birch 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.
Recommended Tackle for Big Birch 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 Big Birch Creek, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
10 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cook Reservoir 2
10 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Newlan Reservoir
7 mi5 species · 164 records
Last stocked May 2026
Doggett Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 58 records
Last stocked July 2023
Newlan Creek
0 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Cook Reservoir 1
9 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,668 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,668 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 39,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 39,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 66,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Big Birch Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Birch Creek was last stocked July 28, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Birch Creek?
Big Birch Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Big Birch Creek stocked?
Big Birch Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Big Birch Creek stocked?
Big Birch Creek is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Birch Creek?
About 404,536 fish have been stocked in Big Birch Creek across 26 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Birch Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Birch Creek average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Birch 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 Big Birch Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Birch 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.