Buckingham Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1952–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buckingham Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 1986 with Rainbow Trout. Buckingham Reservoir has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1952–1986, with about 48,415 fish stocked over that period.
When Buckingham Reservoir is stocked
Buckingham Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Buckingham 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 Buckingham 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 Buckingham Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 1986, 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 Buckingham 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Buckingham 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.
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 Buckingham Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Lake Sutherlin
11 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2026
Newlan Reservoir
2 mi5 species · 164 records
Last stocked May 2026
Newlan Creek
7 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Cottonwood Creek
10 mi4 species · 418 records
Last stocked June 2005
South Fork Smith River
9 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 1954
Big Birch Creek
7 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked July 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,046 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,584 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,605 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,520 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,505 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,529 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,656 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,665 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,505 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1952 | Arctic Grayling | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Buckingham Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buckingham Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 1986 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Buckingham Reservoir?
Buckingham Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Buckingham Reservoir stocked?
Buckingham Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Buckingham Reservoir stocked?
Buckingham Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1952 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Buckingham Reservoir?
About 48,415 fish have been stocked in Buckingham Reservoir across 14 recorded events since 1952, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Buckingham Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Buckingham Reservoir average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Buckingham 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 Buckingham Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Buckingham 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.