Crandall Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crandall Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Crandall Reservoir has 34 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2008, with about 93,970 fish stocked over that period.
When Crandall Reservoir is stocked
Crandall Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Crandall 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 Crandall 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 Crandall Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2008, 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 Crandall 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Crandall 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Crandall Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Marottek Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2011
Lee Pond
19 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2007
Mason Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1978
McGowan Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1976
Poplar River
10 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked June 1975
Tule Creek
11 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 1971
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 4,677 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 54 | 10.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,369 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 57 | 11.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,193 | 5.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,020 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 6,671 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 26 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 204 | 10.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,245 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 16 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,999 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1970 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1970 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1966 | Largemouth Bass | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1966 | Black Crappie | 40 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 12,025 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 9,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Crandall Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crandall Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Crandall Reservoir?
Crandall Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Black Crappie.
What time of year is Crandall Reservoir stocked?
Crandall Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Crandall Reservoir stocked?
Crandall Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 34 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Crandall Reservoir?
About 93,970 fish have been stocked in Crandall Reservoir across 34 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Crandall Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Crandall Reservoir average about 7.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Crandall 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 Crandall Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Crandall 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.