Jefferson Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–1955 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jefferson Creek was last stocked August 12, 1955 with Rainbow Trout. Jefferson Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–1955, with about 87,100 fish stocked over that period.
When Jefferson Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson Creek was last stocked August 12, 1955, 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 Jefferson 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.
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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson Creek, freshest activity first.
Rhoda Lake
6 mi3 species · 37 records
Last stocked July 2023
Cottonwood Creek
12 mi4 species · 418 records
Last stocked June 2005
Nebel Coulee
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1997
Hoover Creek
9 mi4 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 1954
Butcherknife Gulch
11 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1951
Nugget Creek
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1950
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1945 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1945 | Brown Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1944 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1944 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1942 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Jefferson Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jefferson Creek was last stocked August 12, 1955 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Jefferson Creek?
Jefferson Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
How often is Jefferson Creek stocked?
Jefferson Creek is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1942 and 1955.
How many fish have been stocked in Jefferson Creek?
About 87,100 fish have been stocked in Jefferson Creek across 10 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jefferson Creek?
Fish stocked in Jefferson Creek average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jefferson 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 Jefferson Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Jefferson 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.