South Willow Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Willow Creek was last stocked June 8, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. South Willow Creek has 56 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1973, with about 259,974 fish stocked over that period.
When South Willow Creek is stocked
South Willow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow Creek was last stocked June 8, 1973, 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 Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow Creek, freshest activity first.
Upper Mason Lake
14 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 2024
Sureshot Lake
14 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 2024
Trail Lake
15 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2019
Locker Pond
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 2005
Deep Lake
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
South Boulder River
12 mi3 species · 66 records
Last stocked June 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 778 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 778 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 245 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 245 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 262 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 262 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 258 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 258 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,121 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,121 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,996 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,996 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 957 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 957 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,251 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,251 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,142 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,142 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 886 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 725 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1951 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1951 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,350 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1950 | Brook Trout | 928 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1950 | Brook Trout | 928 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1939 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1939 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 56 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was South Willow Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Willow Creek was last stocked June 8, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Willow Creek?
South Willow Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is South Willow Creek stocked?
South Willow Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is South Willow Creek stocked?
South Willow Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 56 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in South Willow Creek?
About 259,974 fish have been stocked in South Willow Creek across 56 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Willow Creek?
Fish stocked in South Willow Creek average about 8.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Willow 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 Willow Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in South Willow 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.