California Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, California Creek was last stocked August 11, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout. California Creek has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1952, with about 2,600,422 fish stocked over that period.
When California Creek is stocked
California Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for California 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 California 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 California Creek was last stocked August 11, 1952, 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 California 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.
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.
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 California 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 California Creek, freshest activity first.
Foolhen Lake
10 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked November 2021
Hearst Lake
10 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 1984
Marche Creek, La
9 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 1954
Mill Creek, S Fk
9 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 1952
First Chance Creek
1 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1952
American Creek
2 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 1952
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,576 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,576 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 625 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 625 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 12,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 15,360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 15,360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1937 | Arctic Grayling | 750,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1937 | Arctic Grayling | 750,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 180,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 180,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 80,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 67,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 67,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was California Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, California Creek was last stocked August 11, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in California Creek?
California Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is California Creek stocked?
California Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is California Creek stocked?
California Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 46 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in California Creek?
About 2,600,422 fish have been stocked in California Creek across 46 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in California Creek?
Fish stocked in California Creek average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish California 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 California Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in California 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.