South Fork Mcdonald Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–1972 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Mcdonald Creek was last stocked August 29, 1972 with Rainbow Trout. South Fork Mcdonald Creek has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–1972, with about 58,944 fish stocked over that period.
When South Fork Mcdonald Creek is stocked
South Fork Mcdonald Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Fork Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Creek was last stocked August 29, 1972, 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 Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Creek, freshest activity first.
Haynie Pond
7 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
War Horse Lake
13 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2020
Hollands Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2013
North Fork Flatwillow Creek
15 mi3 species · 70 records
Last stocked July 1986
South Fork Flatwillow Creek
15 mi3 species · 44 records
Last stocked June 1966
Burnett Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1964
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 29, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,509 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,509 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,713 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,713 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 1953 | Brook Trout | 3,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1953 | Brook Trout | 3,660 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1951 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 370 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 370 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1942 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1941 | Brook Trout | 5,120 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1940 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1940 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Fork Mcdonald Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Mcdonald Creek was last stocked August 29, 1972 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Fork Mcdonald Creek?
South Fork Mcdonald Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is South Fork Mcdonald Creek stocked?
South Fork Mcdonald Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is South Fork Mcdonald Creek stocked?
South Fork Mcdonald Creek is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1930 and 1972.
How many fish have been stocked in South Fork Mcdonald Creek?
About 58,944 fish have been stocked in South Fork Mcdonald Creek across 24 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Fork Mcdonald Creek?
Fish stocked in South Fork Mcdonald Creek average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Fork Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in South Fork Mcdonald 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.