Big Muddy Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Muddy Reservoir was last stocked May 11, 2022 with Rainbow Trout. Big Muddy Reservoir has 49 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2022, with about 129,326 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Muddy Reservoir is stocked
Big Muddy Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Muddy 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 Big Muddy 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 Big Muddy Reservoir was last stocked May 11, 2022, 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 Muddy 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.
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.
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 Big Muddy 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 Big Muddy Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Knudsen Bros Pond
12 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Ikes Fishing Pond
4 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hofman Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2025
Crusch Reservoir
18 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2025
Big Horn Dam
14 mi1 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2008
Bainville RR Pond #1
15 mi9 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 1996
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 41 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,585 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,502 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,525 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,526 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 2,900 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,650 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,461 | 2.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,478 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,639 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,503 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,528 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,473 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,524 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,619 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,568 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,651 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,779 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,460 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,499 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,511 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,513 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Big Muddy Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Muddy Reservoir was last stocked May 11, 2022 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Muddy Reservoir?
Big Muddy Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Big Muddy Reservoir stocked?
Big Muddy Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Big Muddy Reservoir stocked?
Big Muddy Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 49 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Muddy Reservoir?
About 129,326 fish have been stocked in Big Muddy Reservoir across 49 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Muddy Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Big Muddy Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Muddy 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 Big Muddy Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Muddy 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.