Burns Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1947 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Burns Creek was last stocked June 28, 1947 with Brown Trout. Burns Creek has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1947, with about 5,410 fish stocked over that period.
When Burns Creek is stocked
Burns Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Burns 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 Burns 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 Burns Creek was last stocked June 28, 1947, 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 Burns 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Burns 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Burns Creek, freshest activity first.
Gartside Reservoir
16 mi11 species · 138 records
Last stocked October 2025
Temple Pond
7 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2025
Buxbaum Pond, Daryle
15 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2025
Burman Pond
18 mi1 species · 49 records
Last stocked May 2025
Buxbaum (Daryl), Reservoir
20 mi3 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Buxbaum Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1947 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 26 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 66 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 1,166 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 40 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bullhead | 2 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Crappie | 66 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 250 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 6 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 6 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 40 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 250 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bullhead | 2 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Crappie | 66 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 1,166 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Crappie | 66 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Crappie | 66 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1933 | Bluegill | 26 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Burns Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Burns Creek was last stocked June 28, 1947 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Burns Creek?
Burns Creek is stocked with Brown Trout, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Bullhead, and Crappie.
What time of year is Burns Creek stocked?
Burns Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Burns Creek stocked?
Burns Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 20 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1947.
How many fish have been stocked in Burns Creek?
About 5,410 fish have been stocked in Burns Creek across 20 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Burns Creek?
Fish stocked in Burns Creek average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Burns 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 Burns Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Burns 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.