Anita Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Anita Reservoir was last stocked August 6, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Anita Reservoir has 54 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2025, with about 270,851 fish stocked over that period.
When Anita Reservoir is stocked
Anita Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Anita 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 Anita 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 Anita Reservoir was last stocked August 6, 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 Anita 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Anita 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 Anita Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Olsen Pond
9 mi4 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Snag Retention Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Whisker Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Buffalo Wallow Reservoir
13 mi3 species · 52 records
Last stocked June 2009
Siparyann Creek
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2008
Hopalong Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2024 | Walleye | 5,561 | 1.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 11,985 | 4.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2022 | Bluegill | 6,871 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2022 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 13,803 | 5.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 0.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2020 | Walleye | 5,204 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2018 | Walleye | 5,011 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,524 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,025 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2016 | Walleye | 5,004 | 1.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,076 | 4.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2014 | Walleye | 5,029 | 2.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2012 | Walleye | 10,063 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,425 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1997 | Largemouth Bass | 9,500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1993 | Largemouth Bass | 8,540 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1992 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1982 | Yellow Perch | 1,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1982 | Yellow Perch | 1,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1981 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 6,525 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,640 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 6,625 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 54 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Anita Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Anita Reservoir was last stocked August 6, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Anita Reservoir?
Anita Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Brook Trout, and Bass.
What time of year is Anita Reservoir stocked?
Anita Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Anita Reservoir stocked?
Anita Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 54 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Anita Reservoir?
About 270,851 fish have been stocked in Anita Reservoir across 54 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Anita Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Anita Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Anita 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 Anita Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Anita 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.