Haymaker Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Haymaker Creek was last stocked August 13, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Haymaker Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–1953, with about 55,700 fish stocked over that period.
When Haymaker Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Haymaker 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 Haymaker 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 Haymaker Creek was last stocked August 13, 1953, 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 Haymaker 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.
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.
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 Haymaker 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 Haymaker Creek, freshest activity first.
Hundred Dollar Bill Pond
15 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2026
Chief Joseph Pond
11 mi3 species · 176 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martinsdale Reservoir
10 mi4 species · 337 records
Last stocked May 2026
Nelsons Pond
10 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2003
Lebo Lake
8 mi6 species · 84 records
Last stocked July 1993
North Fork Musselshell River
10 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked July 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,140 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,710 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,710 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 25, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Haymaker Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Haymaker Creek was last stocked August 13, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Haymaker Creek?
Haymaker Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Haymaker Creek stocked?
Haymaker Creek is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1936 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Haymaker Creek?
About 55,700 fish have been stocked in Haymaker Creek across 10 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Haymaker Creek?
Fish stocked in Haymaker Creek average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Haymaker 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 Haymaker Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Haymaker 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.