Simmons Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Simmons Creek was last stocked August 28, 1952 with Brook Trout. Simmons Creek has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1952, with about 201,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Simmons Creek is stocked
Simmons Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Simmons 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 Simmons 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 Simmons Creek was last stocked August 28, 1952, 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 Simmons 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.
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.
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 Simmons 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 Simmons Creek, freshest activity first.
Deadmans Basin Reservoir
9 mi6 species · 547 records
Last stocked May 2026
Berg Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 2013
Shifley Pond
15 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1993
Olnhauser Lake
8 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1968
Viets Reservoir
17 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 1960
American Fork
17 mi4 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 1952 | Brook Trout | 3,750 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1952 | Brook Trout | 3,750 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1952 | Brook Trout | 1,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1951 | Brook Trout | 1,680 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1950 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 1950 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1949 | Brook Trout | 9,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,688 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1949 | Brook Trout | 8,688 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,375 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,375 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,212 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1948 | Brook Trout | 1,212 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 15,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1945 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1945 | Brook Trout | 14,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1945 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1945 | Brook Trout | 14,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1942 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1940 | Brook Trout | 11,280 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1939 | Brook Trout | 10,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1938 | Brook Trout | 5,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1938 | Brook Trout | 5,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1933 | Brook Trout | 17,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Simmons Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Simmons Creek was last stocked August 28, 1952 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Simmons Creek?
Simmons Creek is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Simmons Creek stocked?
Simmons Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Simmons Creek stocked?
Simmons Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 29 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Simmons Creek?
About 201,520 fish have been stocked in Simmons Creek across 29 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Simmons Creek?
Fish stocked in Simmons Creek average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Simmons 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 Simmons Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Simmons 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.