Buxbaum Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buxbaum Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Buxbaum Reservoir has 32 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–1994, with about 121,380 fish stocked over that period.
When Buxbaum Reservoir is stocked
Buxbaum Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Buxbaum 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 Buxbaum 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 Buxbaum Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 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.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 Buxbaum 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.
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.
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.
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 Buxbaum 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Buxbaum Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Gartside Reservoir
7 mi11 species · 138 records
Last stocked October 2025
Buxbaum Pond, Daryle
3 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2025
Temple Pond
20 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2025
Buxbaum (Daryl), Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Kvaalen Reservoir
20 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1988
Ericksen Reservoir
25 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 24 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1984 | Channel Catfish | 2,352 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,315 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 5,720 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,006 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 8,487 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 11,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Buxbaum Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buxbaum Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Buxbaum Reservoir?
Buxbaum Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Channel Catfish.
What time of year is Buxbaum Reservoir stocked?
Buxbaum Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Buxbaum Reservoir stocked?
Buxbaum Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 32 recorded stockings between 1961 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Buxbaum Reservoir?
About 121,380 fish have been stocked in Buxbaum Reservoir across 32 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Buxbaum Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Buxbaum Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Buxbaum 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 Buxbaum Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Buxbaum 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.