Peterson Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1975 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Peterson Creek was last stocked October 15, 1975 with Cutthroat Trout. Peterson Creek has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1975, with about 122,763 fish stocked over that period.
When Peterson Creek is stocked
Peterson Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Peterson 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 Peterson 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 Peterson Creek was last stocked October 15, 1975, 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 Peterson 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Peterson 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Peterson Creek, freshest activity first.
Conad Pond
12 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martin Lake
13 mi4 species · 32 records
Last stocked July 2023
Nevada Reservoir
7 mi3 species · 65 records
Last stocked May 2022
Geary Pond
9 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2019
Unnamed Lake
9 mi3 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2000
Nevada Creek
13 mi3 species · 56 records
Last stocked August 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 15, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,844 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,844 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,850 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,850 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1951 | Brook Trout | 975 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1933 | Coho Salmon | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1933 | Brook Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1933 | Coho Salmon | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Peterson Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Peterson Creek was last stocked October 15, 1975 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Peterson Creek?
Peterson Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Peterson Creek stocked?
Peterson Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Peterson Creek stocked?
Peterson Creek is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1975.
How many fish have been stocked in Peterson Creek?
About 122,763 fish have been stocked in Peterson Creek across 22 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Peterson Creek?
Fish stocked in Peterson Creek average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Peterson 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 Peterson Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Peterson 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.