Cherry Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cherry Creek was last stocked April 20, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout. Cherry Creek has 50 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2012, with about 394,750 fish stocked over that period.
When Cherry Creek is stocked
Cherry Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cherry 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 Cherry 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 Cherry Creek was last stocked April 20, 2012, 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 Cherry 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Cherry 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 Cherry Creek, freshest activity first.
Cedar Lake
10 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 2024
Chilcott Pond
9 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2018
Mullan Gulch
6 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1957
Little Blackfoot River
9 mi3 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 1955
Snowshoe Creek
6 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1954
Ophir Creek
9 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 9.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 11.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 11.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 14.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 14.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,420 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,420 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 6.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 6.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 362 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 363 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 362 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 363 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 619 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 829 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,208 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1975 | Brook Trout | 837 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1975 | Brook Trout | 837 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,850 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,850 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1949 | Brown Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1949 | Brown Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,230 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1944 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1944 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,125 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,125 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cherry Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cherry Creek was last stocked April 20, 2012 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cherry Creek?
Cherry Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Cherry Creek stocked?
Cherry Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Cherry Creek stocked?
Cherry Creek is stocked intermittently — 50 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Cherry Creek?
About 394,750 fish have been stocked in Cherry Creek across 50 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cherry Creek?
Fish stocked in Cherry Creek average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cherry 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 Cherry Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Cherry 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.