Butcherknife Gulch Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1951 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Butcherknife Gulch was last stocked June 20, 1951 with Rainbow Trout. Butcherknife Gulch has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1951, with about 66,288 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Butcherknife Gulch
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 Butcherknife Gulch, 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 Butcherknife Gulch was last stocked June 20, 1951, 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 Butcherknife Gulch:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Butcherknife Gulch
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 Butcherknife Gulch, freshest activity first.
Dipping Vat Pond
12 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rhoda Lake
5 mi3 species · 37 records
Last stocked July 2023
Nebel Coulee
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1997
Surprise Creek Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Bayers Pond
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1983
Sun Creek Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked May 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 5,160 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 5,160 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,984 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,984 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Butcherknife Gulch last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Butcherknife Gulch was last stocked June 20, 1951 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Butcherknife Gulch?
Butcherknife Gulch is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Butcherknife Gulch stocked?
Butcherknife Gulch is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1951.
How many fish have been stocked in Butcherknife Gulch?
About 66,288 fish have been stocked in Butcherknife Gulch across 4 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Butcherknife Gulch?
Fish stocked in Butcherknife Gulch average about 1.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Butcherknife Gulch?
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 Butcherknife Gulch?
Freshly stocked trout in Butcherknife Gulch 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.