Clark Canyon Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Canyon Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Clark Canyon Reservoir has 436 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2025, with about 14,099,731 fish stocked over that period.
When Clark Canyon Reservoir is stocked
Clark Canyon Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 138 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clark Canyon 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 Clark Canyon 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 Clark Canyon Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 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 Clark Canyon 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.
Recommended Tackle for Clark Canyon 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.
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 Clark Canyon Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Poison Lakes 1
9 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2024
Dad Creek Lake
17 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 2024
Staudenmeyer Pond
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2009
Red Rock River Ranch Res
7 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2003
Beaverhead River
3 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2002
Grasshopper Creek
11 mi2 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20,063 | 5.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 105,715 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 23,208 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 37,996 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 28,497 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 8,234 | 3.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,954 | 8.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 7,080 | 8.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,768 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 158,184 | 2.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,876 | 6.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,671 | 8.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,510 | 5.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 71,388 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 7,608 | 2.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 9,510 | 4.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 88,528 | 2.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 72,402 | 2.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 82,316 | 2.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 84,000 | 2.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 35,310 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 101,400 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 36,014 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 35,880 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 14,975 | 4.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 38,493 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 37,420 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 31,388 | 4.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 16,068 | 5.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,458 | 4.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 40,747 | 4.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 70,676 | 3.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 33,898 | 3.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 14,810 | 5.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 8,125 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 24,534 | 3.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 307 | 11.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 40,380 | 4.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 46,562 | 4.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 53,032 | 4.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 60,608 | 4.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 6,719 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,980 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 25,643 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 21,660 | 5.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 45,000 | 3.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 35,268 | 3.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 21,644 | 4.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 43,308 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 59,203 | 4.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 436 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Clark Canyon Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clark Canyon Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Clark Canyon Reservoir?
Clark Canyon Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Clark Canyon Reservoir stocked?
Clark Canyon Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Clark Canyon Reservoir stocked?
Clark Canyon Reservoir has been stocked about 7 times a year — 436 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Clark Canyon Reservoir?
About 14,099,731 fish have been stocked in Clark Canyon Reservoir across 436 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clark Canyon Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Clark Canyon Reservoir average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clark Canyon 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 Clark Canyon Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Clark Canyon 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.