Willow Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Willow Creek Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Willow Creek Reservoir has 460 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–2026, with about 9,787,737 fish stocked over that period.
When Willow Creek Reservoir is stocked
Willow Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 115 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow Creek Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2026, 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 Willow 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.
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.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Willow 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.
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 Willow Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Spring Meadow Lake
1 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
0 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Johnson Pond
8 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 1999
Lake Helena
8 mi8 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 1999
Conklin Pond
5 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1995
Combo Pond
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 7,306 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 37,898 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 5.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2026 | Kokanee | 10,000 | 3.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 22,185 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 10,748 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20,735 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 30,162 | 5.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 30,162 | 5.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Kokanee | 10,000 | 3.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,504 | 7.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,668 | 7.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 29,237 | 3.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 22,956 | 4.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2024 | Kokanee | 20,000 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 17,495 | 5.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 12,961 | 5.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 6.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 5.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 27,704 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 35,266 | 4.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2023 | Kokanee | 17,258 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 800 | 8.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 10,570 | 5.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 17,172 | 6.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 14,846 | 5.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 16,275 | 5.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 34,988 | 3.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 8,240 | 7.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 9,288 | 7.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 12,472 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 14,506 | 5.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 17,255 | 6.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 18,162 | 6.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 15,987 | 5.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 27,542 | 3.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 8,205 | 6.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 10,598 | 6.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 22,017 | 3.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 18,932 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 14,628 | 5.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 13.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 14,186 | 5.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 17.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 800 | 4.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 47,150 | 3.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 9,411 | 5.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 65,276 | 3.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 22,140 | 5.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 460 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Willow Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Willow Creek Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Willow Creek Reservoir?
Willow Creek Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Tiger Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Walleye.
What time of year is Willow Creek Reservoir stocked?
Willow Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Willow Creek Reservoir stocked?
Willow Creek Reservoir has been stocked about 5 times a year — 460 recorded stockings between 1939 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Willow Creek Reservoir?
About 9,787,737 fish have been stocked in Willow Creek Reservoir across 460 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Willow Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Willow Creek Reservoir average about 5.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Willow 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 Willow Creek Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Willow 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.