East Rosebud Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Rosebud Creek was last stocked June 11, 1981 with Rainbow Trout. East Rosebud Creek has 161 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1981, with about 1,516,827 fish stocked over that period.
When East Rosebud Creek is stocked
East Rosebud Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 72 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Creek was last stocked June 11, 1981, 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 East Rosebud 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.
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 East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Creek, freshest activity first.
Cooney Reservoir
12 mi7 species · 638 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nelson Pond #1
13 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2020
Nelson Pond #3
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2020
West Rosebud Creek
0 mi3 species · 152 records
Last stocked July 2009
Otie Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked November 2007
Butcher Creek
0 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 1965
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 3,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,984 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,984 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,025 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,025 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,658 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,950 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,950 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,808 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,808 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 161 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was East Rosebud Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Rosebud Creek was last stocked June 11, 1981 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in East Rosebud Creek?
East Rosebud Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is East Rosebud Creek stocked?
East Rosebud Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is East Rosebud Creek stocked?
East Rosebud Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 161 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in East Rosebud Creek?
About 1,516,827 fish have been stocked in East Rosebud Creek across 161 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in East Rosebud Creek?
Fish stocked in East Rosebud Creek average about 6.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in East Rosebud 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.