Sullivan Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1995 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sullivan Creek was last stocked August 14, 1995 with Cutthroat Trout. Sullivan Creek has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1995, with about 337,400 fish stocked over that period.
When Sullivan Creek is stocked
Sullivan Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in August — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sullivan 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 Sullivan 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 Sullivan Creek was last stocked August 14, 1995, 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 Sullivan 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 Sullivan 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 Sullivan Creek, freshest activity first.
Lake Mary Ronan
10 mi8 species · 685 records
Last stocked June 2026
Horseshoe Lake
6 mi10 species · 69 records
Last stocked April 2024
Bailey Lake
1 mi2 species · 57 records
Last stocked July 2023
Pablo Reservoir
13 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2008
Turtle Lake
13 mi4 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2008
Ronan Creek
8 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2002
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,620 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,104 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,104 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,034 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,931 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,931 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,070 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,070 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,166 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,080 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,080 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,290 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,120 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Sullivan Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sullivan Creek was last stocked August 14, 1995 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sullivan Creek?
Sullivan Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Sullivan Creek stocked?
Sullivan Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in August.
How often is Sullivan Creek stocked?
Sullivan Creek is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1995.
How many fish have been stocked in Sullivan Creek?
About 337,400 fish have been stocked in Sullivan Creek across 28 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sullivan Creek?
Fish stocked in Sullivan Creek average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sullivan 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 Sullivan Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Sullivan 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.