Big Butte Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Butte Creek was last stocked September 7, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout. Big Butte Creek has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–1951, with about 132,100 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Butte Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Butte 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 Butte 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 Butte Creek was last stocked September 7, 1951, 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 Butte 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 Butte 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 Butte Creek, freshest activity first.
Keep Cool Resevoir
13 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked June 1996
McGuire Reservoir 2
3 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 1987
McGuire Reservoir 1
3 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 1987
Buckingham Reservoir
13 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1986
E Fk Spring Creek Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1969
Little Birch Creek
11 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked August 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,450 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,450 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Big Butte Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Butte Creek was last stocked September 7, 1951 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Butte Creek?
Big Butte Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Big Butte Creek stocked?
Big Butte Creek is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1939 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Butte Creek?
About 132,100 fish have been stocked in Big Butte Creek across 9 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Butte Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Butte Creek average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Butte 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 Butte Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Butte 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.