Spring Creek Campground South Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2020–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spring Creek Campground South Pond was last stocked June 15, 2023 with Rainbow Trout. Spring Creek Campground South Pond has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 2020–2023, with about 3,952 fish stocked over that period.
When Spring Creek Campground South Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spring Creek Campground South Pond
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 Spring Creek Campground South Pond, 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 Spring Creek Campground South Pond was last stocked June 15, 2023, 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 Spring Creek Campground South Pond:
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Spring Creek Campground South Pond
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 Spring Creek Campground South Pond, freshest activity first.
Flanagan Pond
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2011
Holman Pond
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 2007
Lower Deer Creek
9 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2003
Esp Spring Creek
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2000
Overland Pond
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1986
Sweet Grass Creek
8 mi4 species · 345 records
Last stocked June 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 8.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 547 | 7.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 503 | 6.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,122 | 2.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 13.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 213 | 8.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Spring Creek Campground South Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spring Creek Campground South Pond was last stocked June 15, 2023 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spring Creek Campground South Pond?
Spring Creek Campground South Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Spring Creek Campground South Pond stocked?
Spring Creek Campground South Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 8 recorded stockings between 2020 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Spring Creek Campground South Pond?
About 3,952 fish have been stocked in Spring Creek Campground South Pond across 8 recorded events since 2020, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spring Creek Campground South Pond?
Fish stocked in Spring Creek Campground South Pond average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spring Creek Campground South Pond?
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 Spring Creek Campground South Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Spring Creek Campground South Pond 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.