Als Coulee Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1971–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Als Coulee Reservoir was last stocked April 16, 2014 with Rainbow Trout. Als Coulee Reservoir has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1971–2014, with about 14,820 fish stocked over that period.
When Als Coulee Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Als Coulee 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 Als Coulee 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 Als Coulee Reservoir was last stocked April 16, 2014, 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 Als Coulee 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 Als Coulee 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 Als Coulee Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Faber Reservoir
18 mi3 species · 78 records
Last stocked November 2025
Lone Tree Pond
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2025
Gazob Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2020
Butch Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked May 2011
Sundance Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2010
Martin Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,508 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,527 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,538 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,236 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Als Coulee Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Als Coulee Reservoir was last stocked April 16, 2014 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Als Coulee Reservoir?
Als Coulee Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Als Coulee Reservoir stocked?
Als Coulee Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1971 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Als Coulee Reservoir?
About 14,820 fish have been stocked in Als Coulee Reservoir across 9 recorded events since 1971, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Als Coulee Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Als Coulee Reservoir average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Als Coulee 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 Als Coulee Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Als Coulee 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.