Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek was last stocked August 26, 1952 with Rainbow Trout. Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1952, with about 31,200 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Middle Fork Cottonwood 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 Middle Fork Cottonwood 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 Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek was last stocked August 26, 1952, 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 Middle Fork Cottonwood 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 Middle Fork Cottonwood 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek, freshest activity first.
Forest Lake
5 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 1961
South Fork Shields River
10 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 1954
Sandeno Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1953
Comb Creek
9 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1953
Crandall Creek
9 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 1952
Bennett Creek
9 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 1950
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek was last stocked August 26, 1952 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek?
Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek stocked?
Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek?
About 31,200 fish have been stocked in Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek across 4 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek?
Fish stocked in Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Middle Fork Cottonwood 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 Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Middle Fork Cottonwood 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.