South Cottonwood Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–1950 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Cottonwood Creek was last stocked September 27, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout. South Cottonwood Creek has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–1950, with about 88,906 fish stocked over that period.
When South Cottonwood Creek is stocked
South Cottonwood Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Cottonwood 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 South Cottonwood 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 South Cottonwood Creek was last stocked September 27, 1950, 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 South Cottonwood 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.
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.
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 South Cottonwood 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.
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 South Cottonwood Creek, freshest activity first.
Regional Parks Ponds
8 mi1 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 2026
Valley West Pond
7 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bozeman Pond
8 mi5 species · 389 records
Last stocked September 2025
Elk Grove Community Pond
3 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2025
The Lakes Subdivision
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2025
Green Hollow Reservoir #2
10 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,350 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,350 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,425 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,425 | 3" | 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 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 18, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| February 18, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,336 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,336 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Cottonwood Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Cottonwood Creek was last stocked September 27, 1950 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Cottonwood Creek?
South Cottonwood Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is South Cottonwood Creek stocked?
South Cottonwood Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is South Cottonwood Creek stocked?
South Cottonwood Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 14 recorded stockings between 1940 and 1950.
How many fish have been stocked in South Cottonwood Creek?
About 88,906 fish have been stocked in South Cottonwood Creek across 14 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Cottonwood Creek?
Fish stocked in South Cottonwood Creek average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Cottonwood 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 South Cottonwood Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in South Cottonwood 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.