Cora Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cora Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971 with Brook Trout. Cora Creek has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–1971, with about 28,568 fish stocked over that period.
When Cora Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cora 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 Cora 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 Cora Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971, 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 Cora 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.
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.
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 Cora 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 Cora Creek, freshest activity first.
Dawson Pond #2
6 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2015
Dawson Pond #1
6 mi2 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2015
Ellis Pond
10 mi3 species · 17 records
Last stocked June 2010
Bowman Reservoir #2
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1983
Cass Pond #1
5 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1980
Cass Pond #2
4 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 1971 | Brook Trout | 4,284 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1971 | Brook Trout | 4,284 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1950 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1950 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1930 | Brook Trout | 4,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1930 | Brook Trout | 4,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cora Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cora Creek was last stocked June 18, 1971 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cora Creek?
Cora Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Cora Creek stocked?
Cora Creek is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1930 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Cora Creek?
About 28,568 fish have been stocked in Cora Creek across 8 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cora Creek?
Fish stocked in Cora Creek average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cora 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 Cora Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Cora 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.