Ransome Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–1999 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ransome Creek was last stocked May 27, 1999 with Rainbow Trout. Ransome Creek has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–1999, with about 85,530 fish stocked over that period.
When Ransome Creek is stocked
Ransome Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ransome 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 Ransome 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 Ransome Creek was last stocked May 27, 1999, 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 Ransome 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.
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 Ransome 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 Ransome Creek, freshest activity first.
Troy Kids Pond
12 mi3 species · 214 records
Last stocked June 2026
Tom Poole Lake
4 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked August 2024
Kilbrennan Lake
10 mi3 species · 62 records
Last stocked June 2015
Shannon Lake
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1989
Arbo Creek
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1976
North Fork Seventeenmile Creek
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1942 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1942 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1941 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1941 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,750 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,750 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ransome Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ransome Creek was last stocked May 27, 1999 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ransome Creek?
Ransome Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Ransome Creek stocked?
Ransome Creek is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Ransome Creek stocked?
Ransome Creek is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1938 and 1999.
How many fish have been stocked in Ransome Creek?
About 85,530 fish have been stocked in Ransome Creek across 14 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ransome Creek?
Fish stocked in Ransome Creek average about 4.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ransome 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 Ransome Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Ransome 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.