Colwell Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1963–1983 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Colwell Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1983 with Smallmouth Bass. Colwell Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1963–1983, with about 8,400 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Colwell 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 Colwell 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 Colwell Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1983, 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 Colwell 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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Colwell 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 Colwell Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Lake
19 mi16 species · 1842 records
Last stocked July 2025
Medicine Lake
14 mi10 species · 82 records
Last stocked June 2025
McRae Reservoir 1, Jack
15 mi1 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2025
Trumbo Pond
20 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2009
Olsen Pond 1
16 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked March 2005
Twitchel Res
10 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked April 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 23, 1983 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1977 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Colwell Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Colwell Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1983 with Smallmouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Colwell Reservoir?
Colwell Reservoir is stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Colwell Reservoir stocked?
Colwell Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1963 and 1983.
How many fish have been stocked in Colwell Reservoir?
About 8,400 fish have been stocked in Colwell Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 1963, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Colwell Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Colwell Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Colwell 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 Colwell Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Colwell 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.