South Fork Horse Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Horse Creek was last stocked September 9, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout. South Fork Horse Creek has 30 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1952, with about 265,630 fish stocked over that period.
When South Fork Horse Creek is stocked
South Fork Horse Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Fork Horse 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 Horse 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 Horse Creek was last stocked September 9, 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 South Fork Horse 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.
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 South Fork Horse 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 Horse Creek, freshest activity first.
Cottonwood Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2024
Campfire Lake
9 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2024
Boyd's Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1995
Cottonwood Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1990
Muddy Creek
10 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 1971
Brackett Creek
9 mi4 species · 67 records
Last stocked July 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 4,275 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 4,275 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 22 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1947 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1945 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1945 | Brown Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1944 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1944 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1943 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1943 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1942 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 5,240 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 5,240 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 21,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Fork Horse Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Horse Creek was last stocked September 9, 1952 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Fork Horse Creek?
South Fork Horse Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is South Fork Horse Creek stocked?
South Fork Horse Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is South Fork Horse Creek stocked?
South Fork Horse Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 30 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in South Fork Horse Creek?
About 265,630 fish have been stocked in South Fork Horse Creek across 30 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Fork Horse Creek?
Fish stocked in South Fork Horse Creek average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Fork Horse 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 Horse Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in South Fork Horse 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.