Clawitter Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2004–2018 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clawitter Reservoir was last stocked July 26, 2018 with Largemouth Bass. Clawitter Reservoir has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 2004–2018, with about 41,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Clawitter Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clawitter 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 Clawitter 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 Clawitter Reservoir was last stocked July 26, 2018, 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 Clawitter 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Clawitter 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 Clawitter Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Bailey Reservoir
15 mi7 species · 58 records
Last stocked September 2025
Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2012
Boneau Reservoir
10 mi4 species · 111 records
Last stocked June 2011
Agency Pond
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2008
Williamson Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2008
Twelvemile Coulee
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 2005
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 3.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Clawitter Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clawitter Reservoir was last stocked July 26, 2018 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Clawitter Reservoir?
Clawitter Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Clawitter Reservoir stocked?
Clawitter Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 2004 and 2018.
How many fish have been stocked in Clawitter Reservoir?
About 41,500 fish have been stocked in Clawitter Reservoir across 11 recorded events since 2004, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clawitter Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Clawitter Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clawitter 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 Clawitter Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Clawitter 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.