Rotten Grass Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rotten Grass Creek was last stocked July 9, 1954 with Rainbow Trout. Rotten Grass Creek has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1954, with about 614,025 fish stocked over that period.
When Rotten Grass Creek is stocked
Rotten Grass Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rotten Grass 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 Rotten Grass 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 Rotten Grass Creek was last stocked July 9, 1954, 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 Rotten Grass 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.
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 Rotten Grass 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Rotten Grass Creek, freshest activity first.
Yellowtail Afterbay Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 121 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bighorn Lake
17 mi9 species · 243 records
Last stocked June 2025
Jeffers Pond
17 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1999
Rocky Ranch Hardin Pond
18 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1995
Ten Mile Pond
8 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1991
Upper Hay Coulee
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1950 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 1950 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 34,080 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,905 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1931 | Yellow Perch | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1931 | Yellow Perch | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1931 | Sunfish | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1931 | Sunfish | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 23,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,680 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 23,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,680 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rotten Grass Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rotten Grass Creek was last stocked July 9, 1954 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rotten Grass Creek?
Rotten Grass Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish.
What time of year is Rotten Grass Creek stocked?
Rotten Grass Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Rotten Grass Creek stocked?
Rotten Grass Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 38 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Rotten Grass Creek?
About 614,025 fish have been stocked in Rotten Grass Creek across 38 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rotten Grass Creek?
Fish stocked in Rotten Grass Creek average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rotten Grass 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 Rotten Grass Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Rotten Grass 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.