Buffalo Wallow Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1972–2009 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buffalo Wallow Reservoir was last stocked June 26, 2009 with Rainbow Trout. Buffalo Wallow Reservoir has 52 stocking records on file, spanning 1972–2009, with about 151,976 fish stocked over that period.
When Buffalo Wallow Reservoir is stocked
Buffalo Wallow Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Buffalo Wallow 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 Buffalo Wallow 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 Buffalo Wallow Reservoir was last stocked June 26, 2009, 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 Buffalo Wallow 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 Buffalo Wallow 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 Buffalo Wallow Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Holland Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whisker Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Bubs Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2023
Thundercloud Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 2012
Wolf Coulee Reservoir 2
4 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2011
Catfish Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 2010
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,023 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,386 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,187 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 4,309 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,978 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,225 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 4,134 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 4,028 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 4,100 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 4,345 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 9.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 5,525 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,248 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,002 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 748 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 770 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,552 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,648 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 995 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,231 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,009 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,052 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 768 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 4,009 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,008 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,054 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,540 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 4,060 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 4,017 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,069 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,507 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,050 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,560 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,856 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,275 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 8, 1972 | Arctic Grayling | 1,720 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 52 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Buffalo Wallow Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buffalo Wallow Reservoir was last stocked June 26, 2009 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Buffalo Wallow Reservoir?
Buffalo Wallow Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Buffalo Wallow Reservoir stocked?
Buffalo Wallow Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Buffalo Wallow Reservoir stocked?
Buffalo Wallow Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 52 recorded stockings between 1972 and 2009.
How many fish have been stocked in Buffalo Wallow Reservoir?
About 151,976 fish have been stocked in Buffalo Wallow Reservoir across 52 recorded events since 1972, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Buffalo Wallow Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Buffalo Wallow Reservoir average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Buffalo Wallow 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 Buffalo Wallow Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Buffalo Wallow 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.