Jumping Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1943–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jumping Creek was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Rainbow Trout. Jumping Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1943–1950, with about 54,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Jumping Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jumping 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 Jumping 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 Jumping Creek was last stocked August 18, 1950, 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 Jumping 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 Jumping 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 Jumping Creek, freshest activity first.
Lake Sutherlin
10 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2026
Newlan Reservoir
11 mi5 species · 164 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cottonwood Creek
2 mi4 species · 418 records
Last stocked June 2005
Buckingham Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1986
Jefferson Creek
11 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1955
Little Birch Creek
9 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked August 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Jumping Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jumping Creek was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Jumping Creek?
Jumping Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Jumping Creek stocked?
Jumping Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 10 recorded stockings between 1943 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in Jumping Creek?
About 54,000 fish have been stocked in Jumping Creek across 10 recorded events since 1943, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jumping Creek?
Fish stocked in Jumping Creek average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jumping 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 Jumping Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Jumping 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.