Sun Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sun Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1969 with Rainbow Trout. Sun Creek Reservoir has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1969, with about 18,678 fish stocked over that period.
When Sun Creek Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sun Creek Reservoir
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 Sun Creek Reservoir, 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 Sun Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1969, 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 Sun Creek Reservoir:
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 Sun Creek Reservoir
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 Sun Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kolar Reservoir 1
10 mi6 species · 99 records
Last stocked May 2026
C-1 Reservoir
9 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2004
Kolar Reservoir #6
10 mi2 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2000
Kolar Reservoir #4
10 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2000
Surprise Creek Reservoir
3 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Evans Pond
1 mi4 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,303 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,065 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,080 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,620 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1959 | Brook Trout | 520 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 23, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Sun Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sun Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1969 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sun Creek Reservoir?
Sun Creek Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Sun Creek Reservoir stocked?
Sun Creek Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Sun Creek Reservoir?
About 18,678 fish have been stocked in Sun Creek Reservoir across 9 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sun Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Sun Creek Reservoir average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sun Creek Reservoir?
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 Sun Creek Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Sun Creek Reservoir 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.