Sage Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sage Creek was last stocked September 25, 2014 with Cutthroat Trout. Sage Creek has 202 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2014, with about 1,057,397 fish stocked over that period.
When Sage Creek is stocked
Sage Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 48 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sage 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 Sage 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 Sage Creek was last stocked September 25, 2014, 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 Sage 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Sage 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Sage Creek, freshest activity first.
Pfeifer Pond
8 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2025
Deveraux Pond #1
8 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked May 2025
Bear Trap Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2025
Papaz Pond
11 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2015
Hileman Pond
21 mi1 species · 72 records
Last stocked July 2015
Thiel's Pond
12 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,789 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,671 | 3.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,968 | 6.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,968 | 6.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,112 | 4.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,112 | 4.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,215 | 3.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,188 | 2.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,855 | 3.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,855 | 3.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,016 | 5.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,180 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,180 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,051 | 6.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,051 | 6.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,536 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,536 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 408 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 408 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 406 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 406 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 404 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 416 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 202 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Sage Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sage Creek was last stocked September 25, 2014 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sage Creek?
Sage Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Sage Creek stocked?
Sage Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Sage Creek stocked?
Sage Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 202 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Sage Creek?
About 1,057,397 fish have been stocked in Sage Creek across 202 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sage Creek?
Fish stocked in Sage Creek average about 5.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sage 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 Sage Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Sage 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.