Big Horn Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1963–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Horn Dam was last stocked May 13, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Big Horn Dam has 63 stocking records on file, spanning 1963–2008, with about 219,207 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Horn Dam is stocked
Big Horn Dam is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 28 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Horn Dam
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 Big Horn Dam, 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 Big Horn Dam was last stocked May 13, 2008, 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 Big Horn Dam:
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 Big Horn Dam
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 Big Horn Dam, freshest activity first.
Ikes Fishing Pond
17 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hofman Reservoir
20 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2025
Big Muddy Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 49 records
Last stocked May 2022
Crandall Reservoir
19 mi4 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2008
Engstrom Pond
17 mi9 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2004
Engstrom (Dave) Pond
18 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2004
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 38 | 10.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,279 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,355 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 53 | 11.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 45 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 8,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 5,002 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 4,878 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 8,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,250 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,250 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,030 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,716 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 5,001 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 5,800 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 5,003 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 63 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Horn Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Horn Dam was last stocked May 13, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Horn Dam?
Big Horn Dam is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Horn Dam stocked?
Big Horn Dam is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Big Horn Dam stocked?
Big Horn Dam has been stocked about 1 times a year — 63 recorded stockings between 1963 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Horn Dam?
About 219,207 fish have been stocked in Big Horn Dam across 63 recorded events since 1963, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Horn Dam?
Fish stocked in Big Horn Dam average about 8.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Horn Dam?
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 Big Horn Dam?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Horn Dam 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.