Spring Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–2011 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spring Creek was last stocked July 25, 2011 with Rainbow Trout. Spring Creek has 624 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–2011, with about 6,524,878 fish stocked over that period.
When Spring Creek is stocked
Spring Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 150 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring Creek was last stocked July 25, 2011, 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:
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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Spring Creek, freshest activity first.
Nilan Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 224 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wood Lake
8 mi5 species · 107 records
Last stocked May 2026
North Fork Ford Creek
4 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2005
Pauls Lake
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1977
Ford Creek
3 mi3 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 1965
Barr Creek
8 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 1952
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 8.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 8.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 8.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 199 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 199 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 213 | 8.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 213 | 8.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 13.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 13.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,100 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,100 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,192 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,192 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,950 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,950 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,526 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,526 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,560 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,560 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,590 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,590 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Spring Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spring Creek was last stocked July 25, 2011 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spring Creek?
Spring Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Spring Creek stocked?
Spring Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Spring Creek stocked?
Spring Creek has been stocked about 7 times a year — 624 recorded stockings between 1924 and 2011.
How many fish have been stocked in Spring Creek?
About 6,524,878 fish have been stocked in Spring Creek across 624 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spring Creek?
Fish stocked in Spring Creek average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spring 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 Spring Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Spring 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.