Cayuse Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cayuse Creek was last stocked July 19, 1982 with Rainbow Trout. Cayuse Creek has 103 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1982, with about 793,934 fish stocked over that period.
When Cayuse Creek is stocked
Cayuse Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 26 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cayuse 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 Cayuse 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 Cayuse Creek was last stocked July 19, 1982, 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 Cayuse 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 Cayuse 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 Cayuse Creek, freshest activity first.
Lower Glaston Lake
4 mi9 species · 54 records
Last stocked August 1991
Upper Glaston Lake
3 mi9 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1965
East Fork Sweet Grass Creek
13 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1952
Valley Creek
11 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 1952
Tronrud Pond
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1951
Mauland Pond
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 856 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 530 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 530 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 673 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 673 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,632 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,632 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,938 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,625 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,625 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 528 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 528 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 594 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 594 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 25, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,240 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 25, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,240 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 346 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 27, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 346 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 103 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cayuse Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cayuse Creek was last stocked July 19, 1982 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cayuse Creek?
Cayuse Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Cayuse Creek stocked?
Cayuse Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Cayuse Creek stocked?
Cayuse Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 103 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Cayuse Creek?
About 793,934 fish have been stocked in Cayuse Creek across 103 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cayuse Creek?
Fish stocked in Cayuse Creek average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cayuse 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 Cayuse Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Cayuse 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.