Cook Reservoir 1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1966–1997 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cook Reservoir 1 was last stocked June 16, 1997 with Rainbow Trout. Cook Reservoir 1 has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1966–1997, with about 22,266 fish stocked over that period.
When Cook Reservoir 1 is stocked
Cook Reservoir 1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cook Reservoir 1
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 Cook Reservoir 1, 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 Cook Reservoir 1 was last stocked June 16, 1997, 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 Cook Reservoir 1:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Cook Reservoir 1
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Cook Reservoir 1, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
8 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cook Reservoir 2
1 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Grace Lake
9 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked September 2025
Upper Baldy Lake
9 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2025
Newlan Creek
9 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Schafer Pond
7 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 1992
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,210 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,022 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 968 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,076 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,046 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,018 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,578 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cook Reservoir 1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cook Reservoir 1 was last stocked June 16, 1997 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cook Reservoir 1?
Cook Reservoir 1 is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Cook Reservoir 1 stocked?
Cook Reservoir 1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Cook Reservoir 1 stocked?
Cook Reservoir 1 is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1966 and 1997.
How many fish have been stocked in Cook Reservoir 1?
About 22,266 fish have been stocked in Cook Reservoir 1 across 19 recorded events since 1966, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cook Reservoir 1?
Fish stocked in Cook Reservoir 1 average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cook Reservoir 1?
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 Cook Reservoir 1?
Freshly stocked trout in Cook Reservoir 1 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.