Avalos Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1966–1983 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Avalos Reservoir was last stocked May 5, 1983 with Rainbow Trout. Avalos Reservoir has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1966–1983, with about 25,300 fish stocked over that period.
When Avalos Reservoir is stocked
Avalos Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Avalos 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 Avalos 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 Avalos Reservoir was last stocked May 5, 1983, 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 Avalos 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.
Recommended Tackle for Avalos 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.
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 Avalos Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Boulware Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 33 records
Last stocked May 2025
Reiger Bros Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2024
Fleming Pond #3
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
McKay Trout Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 1984
Bartholemew Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1983
Ranum Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Avalos Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Avalos Reservoir was last stocked May 5, 1983 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Avalos Reservoir?
Avalos Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Avalos Reservoir stocked?
Avalos Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Avalos Reservoir stocked?
Avalos Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1966 and 1983.
How many fish have been stocked in Avalos Reservoir?
About 25,300 fish have been stocked in Avalos Reservoir across 18 recorded events since 1966, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Avalos Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Avalos Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Avalos 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 Avalos Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Avalos 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.