Big Sandy Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1972 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Sandy Creek was last stocked May 16, 1972 with Cutthroat Trout. Big Sandy Creek has 74 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1972, with about 385,492 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Sandy Creek is stocked
Big Sandy Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy Creek was last stocked May 16, 1972, 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 Sandy 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.
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 Sandy 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 Sandy Creek, freshest activity first.
Beaver Creek Reservoir
11 mi9 species · 342 records
Last stocked April 2026
Fresno Reservoir
9 mi13 species · 153 records
Last stocked October 2025
Supenau Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2025
Dry Fork Reservoir
12 mi12 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2025
Davis Pond
13 mi5 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2003
Little Boxelder Creek
13 mi5 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,032 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,032 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,502 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,502 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,547 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,547 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1966 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1966 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1963 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1963 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 3,254 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 3,254 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1962 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1962 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1960 | Brook Trout | 3,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 714 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 714 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1958 | Brook Trout | 2,050 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1958 | Brook Trout | 2,050 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1953 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1953 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1953 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1953 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1951 | Brook Trout | 2,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1950 | Brook Trout | 4,320 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1950 | Brook Trout | 4,320 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,580 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,580 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 14,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1947 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 74 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Sandy Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Sandy Creek was last stocked May 16, 1972 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Sandy Creek?
Big Sandy Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Big Sandy Creek stocked?
Big Sandy Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Big Sandy Creek stocked?
Big Sandy Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 74 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1972.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Sandy Creek?
About 385,492 fish have been stocked in Big Sandy Creek across 74 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Sandy Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Sandy Creek average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Sandy 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 Sandy Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Sandy 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.