Big Casino Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1991–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Casino Creek Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Big Casino Creek Reservoir has 106 stocking records on file, spanning 1991–2025, with about 153,733 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Casino Creek Reservoir is stocked
Big Casino Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 36 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Casino Creek Reservoir
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 Casino Creek Reservoir, 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 Casino Creek Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 2025, 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 Casino Creek Reservoir:
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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Big Casino Creek Reservoir
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Big Casino Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Lower Frog Pond
2 mi1 species · 101 records
Last stocked June 2026
Upper Frog Pond
2 mi1 species · 102 records
Last stocked June 2026
Upper Carters Pond
8 mi6 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elks Country Club Pond
2 mi2 species · 78 records
Last stocked May 2026
Carters Pond
7 mi3 species · 73 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kovacich Pond
10 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked May 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 534 | 9.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 5.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 893 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 12.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 50 | 10.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 75 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 12.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 111 | 11.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 11.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 12.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 498 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 10.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,352 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,496 | 8.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 8.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,009 | 5.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 6.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,511 | 6.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 106 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Casino Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Casino Creek Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Big Casino Creek Reservoir?
Big Casino Creek Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Walleye.
What time of year is Big Casino Creek Reservoir stocked?
Big Casino Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Big Casino Creek Reservoir stocked?
Big Casino Creek Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 106 recorded stockings between 1991 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Casino Creek Reservoir?
About 153,733 fish have been stocked in Big Casino Creek Reservoir across 106 recorded events since 1991, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Casino Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Big Casino Creek Reservoir average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Casino Creek Reservoir?
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 Casino Creek Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Casino Creek Reservoir 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.