C-1 Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1965–2004 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, C-1 Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 2004 with Rainbow Trout. C-1 Reservoir has 30 stocking records on file, spanning 1965–2004, with about 30,376 fish stocked over that period.
When C-1 Reservoir is stocked
C-1 Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for C-1 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 C-1 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 C-1 Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 2004, 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 C-1 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for C-1 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near C-1 Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ackley Lake
14 mi7 species · 255 records
Last stocked May 2026
Dipping Vat Pond
13 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 2025
Surprise Creek Reservoir
10 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Dry Wolf Creek
8 mi4 species · 169 records
Last stocked August 1993
Knutson Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1984
Bayers Pond
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 189 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 216 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 22 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 1993 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 528 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,248 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,271 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,254 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1976 | Brook Trout | 1,086 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 816 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1971 | Brook Trout | 1,060 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1965 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was C-1 Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, C-1 Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 2004 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in C-1 Reservoir?
C-1 Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is C-1 Reservoir stocked?
C-1 Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is C-1 Reservoir stocked?
C-1 Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 30 recorded stockings between 1965 and 2004.
How many fish have been stocked in C-1 Reservoir?
About 30,376 fish have been stocked in C-1 Reservoir across 30 recorded events since 1965, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in C-1 Reservoir?
Fish stocked in C-1 Reservoir average about 5.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish C-1 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 C-1 Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in C-1 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.