Little Bull Elk Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Bull Elk Creek was last stocked May 20, 2013 with Cutthroat Trout. Little Bull Elk Creek has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–2013, with about 36,998 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Little Bull Elk 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 Little Bull Elk 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 Little Bull Elk Creek was last stocked May 20, 2013, 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 Little Bull Elk 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.
Recommended Tackle for Little Bull Elk 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 Little Bull Elk Creek, freshest activity first.
Yellowtail Afterbay Reservoir
8 mi3 species · 121 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bighorn Lake
7 mi9 species · 243 records
Last stocked June 2025
Old Anderson Pond
20 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2017
Dry Head Creek
3 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2003
Mccarty Pond
22 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1994
Ten Mile Pond
18 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 999 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 999 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Little Bull Elk Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Bull Elk Creek was last stocked May 20, 2013 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Little Bull Elk Creek?
Little Bull Elk Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Little Bull Elk Creek stocked?
Little Bull Elk Creek is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1945 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Little Bull Elk Creek?
About 36,998 fish have been stocked in Little Bull Elk Creek across 4 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Little Bull Elk Creek?
Fish stocked in Little Bull Elk Creek average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Little Bull Elk 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 Little Bull Elk Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Little Bull Elk 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.