Bokma Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2025–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bokma Reservoir was last stocked December 15, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Bokma Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 2025–2025, with about 2,156 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bokma 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 Bokma 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 Bokma Reservoir was last stocked December 15, 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 Bokma 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Bokma 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 Bokma Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Keyser Creek
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2011
Deadman's Creek Pond
20 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 2007
Schneidt Pond
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1991
Stillwater River
20 mi8 species · 434 records
Last stocked August 1982
Smith Pond
22 mi6 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1966
Viets Reservoir
17 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 1960
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 15, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 9.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 756 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bokma Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bokma Reservoir was last stocked December 15, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bokma Reservoir?
Bokma Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Bokma Reservoir stocked?
Bokma Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 2025 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bokma Reservoir?
About 2,156 fish have been stocked in Bokma Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 2025, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bokma Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Bokma Reservoir average about 7.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bokma 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 Bokma Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Bokma 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.