Anderson Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Anderson Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Anderson Reservoir has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–2025, with about 74,134 fish stocked over that period.
When Anderson Reservoir is stocked
Anderson Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Anderson 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 Anderson 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 Anderson Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025, 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 Anderson 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Anderson 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Anderson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Dry Lake Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ulrich Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2025
King Reservoir
15 mi5 species · 62 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pr 020 Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Woods Place Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2019
Phipps Pond
11 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked March 2000
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,833 | 4.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,606 | 5.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,997 | 4.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,223 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1985 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1982 | Yellow Perch | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1960 | Bluegill | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1958 | Bluegill | 3,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1958 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 16, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1950 | Crappie | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1950 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1938 | Bluegill | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1938 | Crappie | 700 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1938 | Bullhead | 525 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Anderson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Anderson Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Anderson Reservoir?
Anderson Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Crappie, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Anderson Reservoir stocked?
Anderson Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Anderson Reservoir stocked?
Anderson Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 45 recorded stockings between 1938 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Anderson Reservoir?
About 74,134 fish have been stocked in Anderson Reservoir across 45 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Anderson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Anderson Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Anderson 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 Anderson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Anderson 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.