Big Otter Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1955 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Otter Creek was last stocked June 15, 1955 with Brown Trout. Big Otter Creek has 74 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1955, with about 465,092 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Otter Creek is stocked
Big Otter Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in October — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Otter 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 Otter 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 Otter Creek was last stocked June 15, 1955, 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 Otter 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Otter 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 Big Otter Creek, freshest activity first.
Dawson Pond #2
5 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2015
Dawson Pond #1
5 mi2 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2015
Ellis Pond
9 mi3 species · 17 records
Last stocked June 2010
Bovee Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1994
Bowman Reservoir #2
9 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1983
Cass Pond #1
4 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1980
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 1955 | Brown Trout | 11,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1955 | Brown Trout | 11,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1955 | Brown Trout | 8,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1955 | Brown Trout | 8,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1955 | Brown Trout | 8,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1955 | Brown Trout | 8,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1955 | Brown Trout | 11,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1955 | Brown Trout | 11,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 1954 | Brown Trout | 12,451 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1954 | Brown Trout | 12,451 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1954 | Brown Trout | 10,150 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1953 | Brown Trout | 6,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1953 | Brown Trout | 6,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Brook Trout | 4,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1951 | Brook Trout | 4,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1948 | Brook Trout | 10,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1948 | Brook Trout | 10,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1947 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 4,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 74 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Otter Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Otter Creek was last stocked June 15, 1955 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Otter Creek?
Big Otter Creek is stocked with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Big Otter Creek stocked?
Big Otter Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in October.
How often is Big Otter Creek stocked?
Big Otter Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 74 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1955.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Otter Creek?
About 465,092 fish have been stocked in Big Otter Creek across 74 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Otter Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Otter Creek average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Otter 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 Otter Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Otter 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.