Bear Trap Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2014–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bear Trap Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Bear Trap Reservoir has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 2014–2025, with about 1,279 fish stocked over that period.
When Bear Trap Reservoir is stocked
Bear Trap Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bear Trap 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 Bear Trap 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 Bear Trap Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 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 Bear Trap 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 Bear Trap 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 Bear Trap Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Deveraux Pond #1
11 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pfeifer Pond
11 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2025
Papaz Pond
9 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2015
Hileman Pond
14 mi1 species · 72 records
Last stocked July 2015
Sage Creek
8 mi5 species · 202 records
Last stocked September 2014
Thiel's Pond
17 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 104 | 7.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 6.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 103 | 6.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 107 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 138 | 8.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 177 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bear Trap Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bear Trap Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bear Trap Reservoir?
Bear Trap Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bear Trap Reservoir stocked?
Bear Trap Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Bear Trap Reservoir stocked?
Bear Trap Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 2014 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bear Trap Reservoir?
About 1,279 fish have been stocked in Bear Trap Reservoir across 12 recorded events since 2014, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bear Trap Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Bear Trap Reservoir average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bear Trap 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 Bear Trap Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Bear Trap 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.