Bus Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1992–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bus Reservoir was last stocked September 8, 1994 with Channel Catfish. Bus Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1992–1994, with about 5,720 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bus 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 Bus 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 Bus Reservoir was last stocked September 8, 1994, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Bus Reservoir:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Bus Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bus Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Br 028 Reservoir
8 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Br 043 Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2011
Childrens Pond
13 mi2 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 2006
Golden Rearing Pond
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1991
Cronk Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1990
Peoples Creek
12 mi5 species · 68 records
Last stocked September 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 1994 | Channel Catfish | 3,720 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1993 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1992 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bus Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bus Reservoir was last stocked September 8, 1994 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Bus Reservoir?
Bus Reservoir is stocked with Channel Catfish.
How often is Bus Reservoir stocked?
Bus Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1992 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Bus Reservoir?
About 5,720 fish have been stocked in Bus Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 1992, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bus Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Bus Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bus 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.