Boneau Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1951–2011 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boneau Reservoir was last stocked June 14, 2011 with Brown Trout. Boneau Reservoir has 111 stocking records on file, spanning 1951–2011, with about 1,245,508 fish stocked over that period.
When Boneau Reservoir is stocked
Boneau Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Boneau 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 Boneau 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 Boneau Reservoir was last stocked June 14, 2011, 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 Boneau 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Boneau 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 Boneau Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Normandy Coulee Pond
9 mi2 species · 61 records
Last stocked June 2026
Beaver Creek Reservoir
10 mi9 species · 342 records
Last stocked April 2026
Bearpaw Lake
9 mi4 species · 214 records
Last stocked September 2025
Clawitter Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2018
Agency Pond
4 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2008
Williamson Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2011 | Brown Trout | 10,036 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2010 | Walleye | 20,003 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2010 | Brown Trout | 10,467 | 3.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2009 | Walleye | 20,034 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2009 | Brown Trout | 10,067 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Brown Trout | 15,105 | 3.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 15,668 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 169 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 15,641 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Brown Trout | 9,867 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 6,006 | 5.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2006 | Brown Trout | 10,028 | 4.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 15,686 | 5.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 203 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 6,606 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2002 | Brown Trout | 6,016 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2001 | Brown Trout | 5,992 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2000 | Brown Trout | 6,028 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1999 | Brown Trout | 5,358 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 5,695 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 22.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 6,996 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 6,276 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 6,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,120 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,380 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,360 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 140 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 111 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Boneau Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boneau Reservoir was last stocked June 14, 2011 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Boneau Reservoir?
Boneau Reservoir is stocked with Brown Trout, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Boneau Reservoir stocked?
Boneau Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Boneau Reservoir stocked?
Boneau Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 111 recorded stockings between 1951 and 2011.
How many fish have been stocked in Boneau Reservoir?
About 1,245,508 fish have been stocked in Boneau Reservoir across 111 recorded events since 1951, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Boneau Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Boneau Reservoir average about 8.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Boneau 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 Boneau Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Boneau 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.