Nugget Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nugget Creek was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Rainbow Trout. Nugget Creek has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1950, with about 20,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nugget 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 Nugget 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 Nugget 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 Nugget 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.
Recommended Tackle for Nugget 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 Nugget Creek, freshest activity first.
Lake Sutherlin
11 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cottonwood Creek
4 mi4 species · 418 records
Last stocked June 2005
Jefferson Creek
9 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1955
Little Birch Creek
12 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked August 1951
Lamb Creek
1 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 1950
Jumping Creek
4 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1950
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 |
Frequently asked
When was Nugget Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nugget Creek was last stocked August 18, 1950 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Nugget Creek?
Nugget Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Nugget Creek stocked?
Nugget Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 2 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in Nugget Creek?
About 20,000 fish have been stocked in Nugget Creek across 2 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nugget Creek?
Fish stocked in Nugget Creek average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nugget 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 Nugget Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Nugget 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.