Rosebud Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1976 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rosebud Creek was last stocked September 16, 1976 with Rainbow Trout. Rosebud Creek has 70 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1976, with about 341,370 fish stocked over that period.
When Rosebud Creek is stocked
Rosebud Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 27 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rosebud 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 Rosebud 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 Rosebud Creek was last stocked September 16, 1976, 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 Rosebud 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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 Rosebud 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Rosebud Creek, freshest activity first.
Harlin Steiger Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2023
Fjelstad Pond
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2017
Lee, A. G. #2 Reservoir
16 mi5 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2004
Indian Creek Reservoir
7 mi4 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 1995
Brewster Pond #2
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Hays Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,544 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,544 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 3,618 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 3,618 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,289 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,289 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 442 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 442 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 3,962 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 3,962 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,184 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,184 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 3,018 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 3,018 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,018 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,018 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,698 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,698 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1966 | Brook Trout | 12,512 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Brook Trout | 16,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1965 | Brook Trout | 16,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1964 | Brook Trout | 13,228 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1964 | Brook Trout | 13,228 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Brook Trout | 1,170 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Brook Trout | 1,170 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Brook Trout | 11,766 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Brook Trout | 11,766 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1957 | Brook Trout | 10,031 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1957 | Brook Trout | 10,031 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 70 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Rosebud Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rosebud Creek was last stocked September 16, 1976 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rosebud Creek?
Rosebud Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Rosebud Creek stocked?
Rosebud Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Rosebud Creek stocked?
Rosebud Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 70 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1976.
How many fish have been stocked in Rosebud Creek?
About 341,370 fish have been stocked in Rosebud Creek across 70 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rosebud Creek?
Fish stocked in Rosebud Creek average about 6.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rosebud 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 Rosebud Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Rosebud 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.