Chouteau Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2002–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Chouteau Reservoir was last stocked September 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Chouteau Reservoir has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 2002–2025, with about 57,495 fish stocked over that period.
When Chouteau Reservoir is stocked
Chouteau Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Chouteau 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 Chouteau 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 Chouteau Reservoir was last stocked September 18, 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.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 Chouteau 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.
Black Crappie Profile Tips
Often caught around structure with small jigs or minnows, especially in spring when crappie move shallow to spawn.
Recommended Tackle for Chouteau 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 Chouteau Reservoir, freshest activity first.
BR 045 Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2025
Br 047 Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Brookie Pond
7 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 2025
North Polly Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2025
South Polly Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Don Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked October 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,862 | 4.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,311 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,501 | 2.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,310 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2002 | Black Crappie | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Chouteau Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Chouteau Reservoir was last stocked September 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Chouteau Reservoir?
Chouteau Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Black Crappie.
What time of year is Chouteau Reservoir stocked?
Chouteau Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Chouteau Reservoir stocked?
Chouteau Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 29 recorded stockings between 2002 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Chouteau Reservoir?
About 57,495 fish have been stocked in Chouteau Reservoir across 29 recorded events since 2002, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Chouteau Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Chouteau Reservoir average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Chouteau 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 Chouteau Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Chouteau 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.