Brackett Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1968 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brackett Creek was last stocked July 17, 1968 with Rainbow Trout. Brackett Creek has 67 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1968, with about 974,884 fish stocked over that period.
When Brackett Creek is stocked
Brackett Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Brackett 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 Brackett 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 Brackett Creek was last stocked July 17, 1968, 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 Brackett 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Brackett 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 Brackett Creek, freshest activity first.
Cottonwood Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1990
Shields River
12 mi4 species · 96 records
Last stocked March 1970
Hetzil Pond
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1958
Porcupine Creek
8 mi4 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 1954
North Fork Elk Creek
13 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 1954
Bangtail Creek
4 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,071 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,071 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,198 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,198 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 690 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 690 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1954 | Brook Trout | 11,760 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1954 | Brook Trout | 11,760 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1953 | Brook Trout | 20,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1953 | Brook Trout | 20,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 25,780 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1952 | Brook Trout | 14,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1951 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1951 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1951 | Brook Trout | 4,950 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1951 | Brook Trout | 4,950 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1950 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1950 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1950 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1948 | Brook Trout | 360 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1948 | Brook Trout | 360 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1948 | Brook Trout | 416 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1948 | Brook Trout | 416 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1948 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1948 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1947 | Brook Trout | 13,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1947 | Brook Trout | 13,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1947 | Brown Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1947 | Brown Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1947 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1947 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1947 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1947 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1946 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1946 | Brown Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 19,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 19,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 67 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Brackett Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brackett Creek was last stocked July 17, 1968 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Brackett Creek?
Brackett Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Brackett Creek stocked?
Brackett Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Brackett Creek stocked?
Brackett Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 67 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1968.
How many fish have been stocked in Brackett Creek?
About 974,884 fish have been stocked in Brackett Creek across 67 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Brackett Creek?
Fish stocked in Brackett Creek average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Brackett 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 Brackett Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Brackett 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.