Bonanza Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bonanza Creek was last stocked June 29, 1953 with Brook Trout. Bonanza Creek has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1953, with about 15,780 fish stocked over that period.
When Bonanza Creek is stocked
Bonanza Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bonanza 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 Bonanza 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 Bonanza Creek was last stocked June 29, 1953, 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 Bonanza 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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 Bonanza 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 Bonanza Creek, freshest activity first.
Hundred Dollar Bill Pond
11 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bair Reservoir
10 mi4 species · 148 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martinsdale Reservoir
12 mi4 species · 337 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bonanza Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rostad Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2013
Flagstaff Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,120 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,120 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 770 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 770 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bonanza Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bonanza Creek was last stocked June 29, 1953 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bonanza Creek?
Bonanza Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bonanza Creek stocked?
Bonanza Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is Bonanza Creek stocked?
Bonanza Creek is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Bonanza Creek?
About 15,780 fish have been stocked in Bonanza Creek across 12 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bonanza Creek?
Fish stocked in Bonanza Creek average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bonanza 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 Bonanza Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Bonanza 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.