Cougar Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cougar Creek was last stocked August 5, 1993 with Arctic Grayling. Cougar Creek has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1993, with about 241,170 fish stocked over that period.
When Cougar Creek is stocked
Cougar 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 Cougar 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 Cougar 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 Cougar Creek was last stocked August 5, 1993, 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 Cougar 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Cougar 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 Cougar Creek, freshest activity first.
Twin Lake (Upper)
12 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2025
Lake Cameron
9 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2022
Axolotl Lake
12 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2022
Reservoir Lake
12 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Rainbow Lake, Lower
8 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1997
Rainbow Lake, Upper
8 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 25 | 9.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 25 | 9.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,664 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,664 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1950 | Brown Trout | 5,850 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1950 | Brown Trout | 5,850 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 5,120 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 5,120 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,428 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,428 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,306 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,306 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1947 | Brown Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1947 | Brown Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1946 | Brown Trout | 13,786 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1946 | Brown Trout | 13,786 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 38,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 38,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,806 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,806 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cougar Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cougar Creek was last stocked August 5, 1993 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Cougar Creek?
Cougar Creek is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Cougar Creek stocked?
Cougar Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Cougar Creek stocked?
Cougar Creek is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Cougar Creek?
About 241,170 fish have been stocked in Cougar Creek across 29 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cougar Creek?
Fish stocked in Cougar Creek average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cougar 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 Cougar Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Cougar 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.