Carpenter Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carpenter Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Carpenter Reservoir has 36 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2026, with about 38,871 fish stocked over that period.
When Carpenter Reservoir is stocked
Carpenter Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 20 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Carpenter 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 Carpenter 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 Carpenter Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026, 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 Carpenter 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Carpenter 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 Carpenter Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Holgate Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Upper
9 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kingsbury Pond
5 mi4 species · 55 records
Last stocked July 2025
Anderson Pond
4 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2025
Urs Pond
5 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked June 2023
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Lower
9 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 990 | 4.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,009 | 5.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 4.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 4.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 28 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 4.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 4.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 4.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 4.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2015 | Brook Trout | 250 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 493 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 4.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,086 | 4.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,032 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 4.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 984 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1994 | Brook Trout | 1,016 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1993 | Brook Trout | 1,001 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1991 | Brook Trout | 1,042 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1968 | Brook Trout | 2,070 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1966 | Brook Trout | 2,125 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1964 | Brook Trout | 3,055 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Carpenter Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carpenter Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Carpenter Reservoir?
Carpenter Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Carpenter Reservoir stocked?
Carpenter Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Carpenter Reservoir stocked?
Carpenter Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 36 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Carpenter Reservoir?
About 38,871 fish have been stocked in Carpenter Reservoir across 36 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Carpenter Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Carpenter Reservoir average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Carpenter 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 Carpenter Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Carpenter 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.