Reese Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reese Creek was last stocked July 9, 1953 with Rainbow Trout. Reese Creek has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1953, with about 30,556 fish stocked over that period.
When Reese Creek is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Reese 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 Reese 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 Reese Creek was last stocked July 9, 1953, 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 Reese 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 Reese 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 Reese Creek, freshest activity first.
Twin Lake, Lower
6 mi4 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2013
Hyalite Creek
3 mi3 species · 109 records
Last stocked July 1980
Jackson Creek
9 mi3 species · 42 records
Last stocked July 1960
Baker Creek
8 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 1954
Bullrun Creek
8 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 1953
Story Cr
4 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1950 | Brook Trout | 900 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1950 | Brook Trout | 900 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,642 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,642 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 16, 1946 | Brook Trout | 3,120 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1946 | Brook Trout | 3,120 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Reese Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reese Creek was last stocked July 9, 1953 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Reese Creek?
Reese Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Reese Creek stocked?
Reese Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 10 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Reese Creek?
About 30,556 fish have been stocked in Reese Creek across 10 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Reese Creek?
Fish stocked in Reese Creek average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Reese 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 Reese Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Reese 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.