Surprise Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–1996 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Surprise Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 30, 1996 with Rainbow Trout. Surprise Creek Reservoir has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–1996, with about 79,747 fish stocked over that period.
When Surprise Creek Reservoir is stocked
Surprise Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Surprise 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 Surprise 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 Surprise Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 30, 1996, 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 Surprise 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.
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 Surprise 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 Surprise Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kolar Reservoir 1
10 mi6 species · 99 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kolar Reservoir 2
10 mi5 species · 78 records
Last stocked August 2025
C-1 Reservoir
10 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2004
Kolar Reservoir 8
11 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1998
Bayers Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1983
Evans Pond
4 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 30, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 512 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,622 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,550 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,509 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,548 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,505 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,529 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,080 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,665 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,505 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,590 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,548 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,496 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,070 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,160 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,713 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,336 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 3,910 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,066 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1940 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Surprise Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Surprise Creek Reservoir was last stocked May 30, 1996 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Surprise Creek Reservoir?
Surprise Creek Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Surprise Creek Reservoir stocked?
Surprise Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Surprise Creek Reservoir stocked?
Surprise Creek Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 38 recorded stockings between 1940 and 1996.
How many fish have been stocked in Surprise Creek Reservoir?
About 79,747 fish have been stocked in Surprise Creek Reservoir across 38 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Surprise Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Surprise Creek Reservoir average about 4.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Surprise 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 Surprise Creek Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Surprise 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.