Dean Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dean Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Dean Reservoir has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2024, with about 32,280 fish stocked over that period.
When Dean Reservoir is stocked
Dean Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dean 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 Dean 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 Dean Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024, 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 Dean 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.
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.
White Crappie Profile Tips
Taken the same way as black crappie — small jigs and minnows fished around brush, docks, and other structure.
Recommended Tackle for Dean 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 Dean Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Spotted Eagle Lake
9 mi12 species · 101 records
Last stocked October 2025
Tongue River
10 mi13 species · 247 records
Last stocked April 2020
Miles City Hatchery Pond
9 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked April 2018
Cook Lake
9 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2002
Sieler Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1986
Taylor Pond
11 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 8.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,037 | 10.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 8.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,039 | 9.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,151 | 6.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,059 | 7.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 494 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 945 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 997 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,046 | 9.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,203 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 9.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,031 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 902 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,034 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1984 | White Crappie | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1983 | Fathead Minnow | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1983 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1983 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 67 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Dean Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dean Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Dean Reservoir?
Dean Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, White Crappie, Fathead Minnow, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass.
What time of year is Dean Reservoir stocked?
Dean Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April.
How often is Dean Reservoir stocked?
Dean Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 38 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Dean Reservoir?
About 32,280 fish have been stocked in Dean Reservoir across 38 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dean Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Dean Reservoir average about 7.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dean 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 Dean Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Dean 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.