Big Timber Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1963 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Timber Creek was last stocked August 21, 1963 with Rainbow Trout. Big Timber Creek has 105 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1963, with about 1,637,006 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Timber Creek is stocked
Big Timber Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September — 33 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Timber 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 Timber 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 Timber Creek was last stocked August 21, 1963, 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 Timber 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Big Timber 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 Timber Creek, freshest activity first.
Spring Creek Campground South Pond
4 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2023
Flanagan Pond
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2011
Lower Deer Creek
9 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2003
Esp Spring Creek
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2000
Overland Pond
1 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1986
Sweet Grass Creek
8 mi4 species · 345 records
Last stocked June 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 21, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 4,680 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 4,680 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 912 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 912 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,207 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,207 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1953 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 8,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1951 | Brook Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1950 | Brook Trout | 6,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 13,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 13,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1947 | Brook Trout | 12,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1947 | Brook Trout | 12,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Brook Trout | 5,430 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Brook Trout | 5,430 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 18,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 18,200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1942 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1942 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 105 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Timber Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Timber Creek was last stocked August 21, 1963 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Timber Creek?
Big Timber Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Big Timber Creek stocked?
Big Timber Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September.
How often is Big Timber Creek stocked?
Big Timber Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 105 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1963.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Timber Creek?
About 1,637,006 fish have been stocked in Big Timber Creek across 105 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Timber Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Timber Creek average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Timber 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 Timber Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Timber 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.