Crawford Reservoir #2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1957–1965 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crawford Reservoir #2 was last stocked August 6, 1965 with Bass. Crawford Reservoir #2 has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1957–1965, with about 3,900 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Crawford Reservoir #2
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 Crawford Reservoir #2, 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 Crawford Reservoir #2 was last stocked August 6, 1965, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2:
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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
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 Crawford Reservoir #2
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Crawford Reservoir #2, freshest activity first.
Maier Pond
12 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Lake Baker
7 mi12 species · 86 records
Last stocked June 2025
Schweigert Dam
6 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pinnow Reservoir
10 mi3 species · 62 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pinnow Reservoir 2
10 mi3 species · 27 records
Last stocked May 2025
Upper Baker Lake
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 1965 | Bass | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1963 | Channel Catfish | 900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1962 | Largemouth Bass | 900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1957 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1957 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Crawford Reservoir #2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crawford Reservoir #2 was last stocked August 6, 1965 with Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2?
Crawford Reservoir #2 is stocked with Bass, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Crawford Reservoir #2 stocked?
Crawford Reservoir #2 is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1957 and 1965.
How many fish have been stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2?
About 3,900 fish have been stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2 across 5 recorded events since 1957, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2?
Fish stocked in Crawford Reservoir #2 average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Crawford Reservoir #2?
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.