South Fork Flatwillow Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Flatwillow Creek was last stocked June 16, 1966 with Rainbow Trout. South Fork Flatwillow Creek has 44 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1966, with about 552,010 fish stocked over that period.
When South Fork Flatwillow Creek is stocked
South Fork Flatwillow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Fork Flatwillow 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 Fork Flatwillow 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 Fork Flatwillow Creek was last stocked June 16, 1966, 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 Fork Flatwillow 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.
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 South Fork Flatwillow 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 South Fork Flatwillow Creek, freshest activity first.
Haynie Pond
15 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hollands Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2013
Peterson Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2008
North Fork Flatwillow Creek
0 mi3 species · 70 records
Last stocked July 1986
South Fork Mcdonald Creek
15 mi3 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 1972
Kizer Pond
17 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1953 | Brook Trout | 3,050 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 36 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 280 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,320 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1947 | Brook Trout | 770 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1947 | Brook Trout | 770 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1947 | Brook Trout | 5,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1947 | Brook Trout | 5,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,680 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,680 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1945 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1945 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1944 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1944 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1942 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1942 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1941 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1941 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1940 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1940 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1939 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1939 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1937 | Brook Trout | 17,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1934 | Brook Trout | 25,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1934 | Brook Trout | 25,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Fork Flatwillow Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Flatwillow Creek was last stocked June 16, 1966 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Fork Flatwillow Creek?
South Fork Flatwillow Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is South Fork Flatwillow Creek stocked?
South Fork Flatwillow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is South Fork Flatwillow Creek stocked?
South Fork Flatwillow Creek is stocked intermittently — 44 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in South Fork Flatwillow Creek?
About 552,010 fish have been stocked in South Fork Flatwillow Creek across 44 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Fork Flatwillow Creek?
Fish stocked in South Fork Flatwillow Creek average about 3.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Fork Flatwillow 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 Fork Flatwillow Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in South Fork Flatwillow 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.