Atlas Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1987–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Atlas Reservoir was last stocked August 26, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Atlas Reservoir has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1987–2025, with about 64,269 fish stocked over that period.
When Atlas Reservoir is stocked
Atlas Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 3 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Atlas 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 Atlas 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 Atlas Reservoir was last stocked August 26, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Atlas Reservoir:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Atlas Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Atlas Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Glasgow Base Pond
8 mi7 species · 114 records
Last stocked September 2025
Nelson Reservoir
5 mi11 species · 209 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hose Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2025
VR 009 Reservoir
8 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 2025
Forsman Reservoir
6 mi5 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2007
Chapman Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 750 | 1.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 750 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1990 | Fathead Minnow | 11,025 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1988 | Fathead Minnow | 33,687 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 865 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Fathead Minnow | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Fathead Minnow | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 592 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Atlas Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Atlas Reservoir was last stocked August 26, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Atlas Reservoir?
Atlas Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Fathead Minnow.
What time of year is Atlas Reservoir stocked?
Atlas Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Atlas Reservoir stocked?
Atlas Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1987 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Atlas Reservoir?
About 64,269 fish have been stocked in Atlas Reservoir across 12 recorded events since 1987, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Atlas Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Atlas Reservoir average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Atlas 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.