Tenderfoot Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tenderfoot Creek was last stocked August 25, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout. Tenderfoot Creek has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–1954, with about 518,760 fish stocked over that period.
When Tenderfoot Creek is stocked
Tenderfoot Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tenderfoot 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 Tenderfoot 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 Tenderfoot Creek was last stocked August 25, 1954, 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 Tenderfoot 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 Tenderfoot 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 Tenderfoot Creek, freshest activity first.
Castle Lake
13 mi3 species · 47 records
Last stocked September 2025
East Fork Reservoir
7 mi4 species · 240 records
Last stocked August 2025
Sheep Creek
5 mi4 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2008
E Fk Spring Creek Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1969
Harrison Creek
11 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1954
Big Butte Creek
13 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 25, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 54,840 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 54,840 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 45,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 1,280 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 1,280 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 34,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 34,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1934 | Brook Trout | 8,260 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1934 | Brook Trout | 8,260 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Tenderfoot Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tenderfoot Creek was last stocked August 25, 1954 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tenderfoot Creek?
Tenderfoot Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Tenderfoot Creek stocked?
Tenderfoot Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Tenderfoot Creek stocked?
Tenderfoot Creek is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1934 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Tenderfoot Creek?
About 518,760 fish have been stocked in Tenderfoot Creek across 20 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tenderfoot Creek?
Fish stocked in Tenderfoot Creek average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tenderfoot 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 Tenderfoot Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Tenderfoot 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.