Otter Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Otter Creek was last stocked June 21, 1950 with Brook Trout. Otter Creek has 33 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1950, with about 486,292 fish stocked over that period.
When Otter Creek is stocked
Otter Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Otter 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 Otter 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 Otter Creek was last stocked June 21, 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 Otter 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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 Otter 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Otter Creek, freshest activity first.
Shiloh Conservation Pond 1
7 mi3 species · 57 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Elmo
6 mi15 species · 263 records
Last stocked June 2026
Canyon Creek Pond
8 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Josephine
3 mi6 species · 42 records
Last stocked September 2025
Shiloh Conservation Pond 2
7 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2024
Transwestern Pond
6 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1950 | Brook Trout | 6,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1950 | Brook Trout | 6,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 25, 1950 | Brown Trout | 37,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 25, 1950 | Brown Trout | 37,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1948 | Brook Trout | 573 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1948 | Brook Trout | 573 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 573 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1946 | Brook Trout | 573 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 25 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1942 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1941 | Brook Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1941 | Brook Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1940 | Brook Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1940 | Brook Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1939 | Brook Trout | 26,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1939 | Brook Trout | 26,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Sunfish | 2,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Yellow Perch | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Yellow Perch | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Sunfish | 2,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1931 | Crappie | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 60,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 60,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1931 | Brook Trout | 8,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1931 | Brook Trout | 8,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1931 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1931 | Brook Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Otter Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Otter Creek was last stocked June 21, 1950 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Otter Creek?
Otter Creek is stocked with Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Otter Creek stocked?
Otter Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Otter Creek stocked?
Otter Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 33 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in Otter Creek?
About 486,292 fish have been stocked in Otter Creek across 33 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Otter Creek?
Fish stocked in Otter Creek average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Otter 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 Otter Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Otter 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.