Hansen Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1975 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hansen Creek was last stocked May 29, 1975 with Brook Trout. Hansen Creek has 33 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1975, with about 331,322 fish stocked over that period.
When Hansen Creek is stocked
Hansen Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hansen 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 Hansen 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 Hansen Creek was last stocked May 29, 1975, 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 Hansen 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 Hansen 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 Hansen Creek, freshest activity first.
Upper Frog Pond
5 mi1 species · 102 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lower Frog Pond
5 mi1 species · 101 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elks Country Club Pond
4 mi2 species · 78 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hansen Reservoir
6 mi5 species · 101 records
Last stocked October 2025
Big Casino Creek Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 106 records
Last stocked August 2025
Kovacich Pond
7 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked May 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 1975 | Brook Trout | 3,042 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1975 | Brook Trout | 3,042 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,887 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,887 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 640 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 640 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 25 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 1954 | Brook Trout | 1,442 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1954 | Brook Trout | 1,442 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1950 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1950 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1944 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1944 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1943 | Brook Trout | 6,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1943 | Brook Trout | 6,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1941 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1941 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1940 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1940 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1929 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1929 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hansen Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hansen Creek was last stocked May 29, 1975 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hansen Creek?
Hansen Creek is stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Hansen Creek stocked?
Hansen Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Hansen Creek stocked?
Hansen Creek is stocked intermittently — 33 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1975.
How many fish have been stocked in Hansen Creek?
About 331,322 fish have been stocked in Hansen Creek across 33 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hansen Creek?
Fish stocked in Hansen Creek average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hansen 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 Hansen Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Hansen 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.