Cow Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cow Creek was last stocked June 23, 2003 with Walleye. Cow Creek has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2003, with about 269,761 fish stocked over that period.
When Cow Creek is stocked
Cow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cow 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 Cow 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 Cow Creek was last stocked June 23, 2003, 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 Cow 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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 Cow 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Cow Creek, freshest activity first.
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Upper
13 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Lower
14 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2017
Anderson Coulee Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 2015
Slivka Reservoir #2
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2015
Slivka Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2013
Warm Spring Creek
14 mi6 species · 662 records
Last stocked July 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2003 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2003 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2002 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2002 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1962 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1961 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1961 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1960 | Brook Trout | 3,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1960 | Brook Trout | 3,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1953 | Brook Trout | 6,138 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1953 | Brook Trout | 6,138 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 785 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 785 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,272 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,272 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1947 | Brook Trout | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1947 | Brook Trout | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1944 | Brook Trout | 18,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1944 | Brook Trout | 18,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1940 | Brook Trout | 6,667 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1940 | Brook Trout | 6,667 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1939 | Brook Trout | 13,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1939 | Brook Trout | 13,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1934 | Arctic Grayling | 2,856 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1934 | Arctic Grayling | 2,856 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 8,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 8,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cow Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cow Creek was last stocked June 23, 2003 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Cow Creek?
Cow Creek is stocked with Walleye, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Cow Creek stocked?
Cow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Cow Creek stocked?
Cow Creek is stocked intermittently — 39 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Cow Creek?
About 269,761 fish have been stocked in Cow Creek across 39 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cow Creek?
Fish stocked in Cow Creek average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cow 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 Cow Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Cow 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.