Butcher Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1965 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Butcher Creek was last stocked June 21, 1965 with Rainbow Trout. Butcher Creek has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1965, with about 24,052 fish stocked over that period.
When Butcher Creek is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Butcher 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 Butcher 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 Butcher Creek was last stocked June 21, 1965, 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 Butcher 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.
Recommended Tackle for Butcher 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 Butcher Creek, freshest activity first.
Cooney Reservoir
12 mi7 species · 638 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nelson Pond #1
13 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2020
Nelson Pond #3
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2020
West Rosebud Creek
0 mi3 species · 152 records
Last stocked July 2009
Otie Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked November 2007
East Rosebud Creek
0 mi2 species · 161 records
Last stocked June 1981
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Butcher Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Butcher Creek was last stocked June 21, 1965 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Butcher Creek?
Butcher Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Butcher Creek stocked?
Butcher Creek is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1965.
How many fish have been stocked in Butcher Creek?
About 24,052 fish have been stocked in Butcher Creek across 6 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Butcher Creek?
Fish stocked in Butcher Creek average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Butcher 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 Butcher Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Butcher 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.