Courtnage Reservoir #1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Courtnage Reservoir #1 was last stocked June 27, 2003 with Rainbow Trout. Courtnage Reservoir #1 has 27 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–2003, with about 35,356 fish stocked over that period.
When Courtnage Reservoir #1 is stocked
Courtnage Reservoir #1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Courtnage 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 Courtnage 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 Courtnage Reservoir #1 was last stocked June 27, 2003, 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 Courtnage 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.
Recommended Tackle for Courtnage 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 Courtnage Reservoir #1, freshest activity first.
Crow Coulee Reservoir
7 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2025
Beaver Creek
9 mi13 species · 697 records
Last stocked June 2014
Panton Coulee Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 42 records
Last stocked June 2009
Pilot Rock Res
15 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 2005
Shaw Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 1994
Boyle Coulee
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 19 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,510 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,554 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Courtnage Reservoir #1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Courtnage Reservoir #1 was last stocked June 27, 2003 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Courtnage Reservoir #1?
Courtnage Reservoir #1 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Courtnage Reservoir #1 stocked?
Courtnage Reservoir #1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Courtnage Reservoir #1 stocked?
Courtnage Reservoir #1 is stocked intermittently — 27 recorded stockings between 1968 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Courtnage Reservoir #1?
About 35,356 fish have been stocked in Courtnage Reservoir #1 across 27 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Courtnage Reservoir #1?
Fish stocked in Courtnage Reservoir #1 average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Courtnage 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 Courtnage Reservoir #1?
Freshly stocked trout in Courtnage 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.