Jack Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1984 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jack Creek was last stocked August 2, 1984 with Rainbow Trout. Jack Creek has 119 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1984, with about 441,424 fish stocked over that period.
When Jack Creek is stocked
Jack Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 64 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jack 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 Jack 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 Jack Creek was last stocked August 2, 1984, 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 Jack 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 Jack 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 Jack Creek, freshest activity first.
Chiquita Lake
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2023
Ennis Kids Pond
4 mi1 species · 199 records
Last stocked June 2008
Ennis Lake
1 mi3 species · 351 records
Last stocked June 1994
Odell Creek
8 mi3 species · 48 records
Last stocked June 1992
Brentin Lake
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1960
Blaine Spring Creek
8 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 1956
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 290 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 290 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 312 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 164 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 177 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 177 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 119 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Jack Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jack Creek was last stocked August 2, 1984 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Jack Creek?
Jack Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Jack Creek stocked?
Jack Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Jack Creek stocked?
Jack Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 119 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1984.
How many fish have been stocked in Jack Creek?
About 441,424 fish have been stocked in Jack Creek across 119 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jack Creek?
Fish stocked in Jack Creek average about 10.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jack 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 Jack Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Jack 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.