Lower Deer Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1935–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Deer Creek was last stocked August 27, 2003 with Cutthroat Trout. Lower Deer Creek has 21 stocking records on file, spanning 1935–2003, with about 320,958 fish stocked over that period.
When Lower Deer Creek is stocked
Lower Deer Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lower Deer 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 Lower Deer 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 Lower Deer Creek was last stocked August 27, 2003, 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 Lower Deer 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Lower Deer 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 Lower Deer Creek, freshest activity first.
Spring Creek Campground South Pond
9 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2023
Flanagan Pond
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2011
Holman Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 2007
Deadman's Creek Pond
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 2007
Esp Spring Creek
2 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2000
Overland Pond
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 2.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,044 | 1.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,044 | 1.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,664 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,664 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 13 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,792 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1945 | Brown Trout | 30,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1935 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1935 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lower Deer Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Deer Creek was last stocked August 27, 2003 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lower Deer Creek?
Lower Deer Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Lower Deer Creek stocked?
Lower Deer Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Lower Deer Creek stocked?
Lower Deer Creek is stocked intermittently — 21 recorded stockings between 1935 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Lower Deer Creek?
About 320,958 fish have been stocked in Lower Deer Creek across 21 recorded events since 1935, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lower Deer Creek?
Fish stocked in Lower Deer Creek average about 3.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Deer 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 Lower Deer Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Lower Deer 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.