Castle Rock Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1976–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Castle Rock Reservoir was last stocked June 19, 2025 with Walleye. Castle Rock Reservoir has 58 stocking records on file, spanning 1976–2025, with about 1,682,998 fish stocked over that period.
When Castle Rock Reservoir is stocked
Castle Rock Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock Reservoir was last stocked June 19, 2025, 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 Castle Rock 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.
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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 Castle Rock 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.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Castle Rock Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Green Leaf Pond
18 mi2 species · 52 records
Last stocked June 2008
Philbrick #1
17 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2003
Farley Pond
18 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1983
Hays Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1982
Colstrip Pond 3
2 mi7 species · 46 records
Last stocked August 1979
Philbrick #3
16 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2025 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2024 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2023 | Walleye | 1,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2022 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2021 | Channel Catfish | 8,227 | 1.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2021 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 1.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2021 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2020 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 1.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2020 | Walleye | 2,000 | 2.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2019 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2018 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 2.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2018 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 2017 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2017 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2016 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2015 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2015 | Walleye | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2014 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 2.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2014 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2012 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2011 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2010 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2009 | Walleye | 1,049 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2008 | Walleye | 1,100 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2007 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2004 | Walleye | 1,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2003 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2002 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2001 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2000 | Channel Catfish | 8,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2000 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1998 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1997 | Walleye | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1996 | Walleye | 5,040 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1995 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1993 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1992 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1991 | Smallmouth Bass | 912 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1991 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1991 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,970 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1991 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1990 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1989 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1988 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1986 | Walleye | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 58 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Castle Rock Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Castle Rock Reservoir was last stocked June 19, 2025 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Castle Rock Reservoir?
Castle Rock Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Fathead Minnow, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie.
What time of year is Castle Rock Reservoir stocked?
Castle Rock Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Castle Rock Reservoir stocked?
Castle Rock Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 58 recorded stockings between 1976 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Castle Rock Reservoir?
About 1,682,998 fish have been stocked in Castle Rock Reservoir across 58 recorded events since 1976, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Castle Rock Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Castle Rock Reservoir average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Castle Rock 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.