Mill Creek, S Fk Fish Stocking
Montana · 1943–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mill Creek, S Fk was last stocked August 14, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout. Mill Creek, S Fk has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1943–1952, with about 88,928 fish stocked over that period.
When Mill Creek, S Fk is stocked
Mill Creek, S Fk is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mill Creek, S Fk
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 Mill Creek, S Fk, 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 Mill Creek, S Fk was last stocked August 14, 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 Mill Creek, S Fk:
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 Mill Creek, S Fk
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 Mill Creek, S Fk, freshest activity first.
Amc Wildlife Pond
7 mi3 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2026
Barker Lake, Upper
8 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked September 2025
Barker Lake, Lower
8 mi3 species · 36 records
Last stocked September 2025
Hearst Lake
6 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 1984
Haggin Lake
7 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1984
Tailings Pond
8 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1959
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,964 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,964 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mill Creek, S Fk last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mill Creek, S Fk was last stocked August 14, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mill Creek, S Fk?
Mill Creek, S Fk is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Mill Creek, S Fk stocked?
Mill Creek, S Fk is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Mill Creek, S Fk stocked?
Mill Creek, S Fk has been stocked about 2 times a year — 15 recorded stockings between 1943 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Mill Creek, S Fk?
About 88,928 fish have been stocked in Mill Creek, S Fk across 15 recorded events since 1943, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mill Creek, S Fk?
Fish stocked in Mill Creek, S Fk average about 1.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mill Creek, S Fk?
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 Mill Creek, S Fk?
Freshly stocked trout in Mill Creek, S Fk 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.