Devon Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1965 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Devon Reservoir was last stocked September 29, 1965 with Brook Trout. Devon Reservoir has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1965, with about 186,672 fish stocked over that period.
When Devon Reservoir is stocked
Devon Reservoir is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Devon 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 Devon 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 Devon Reservoir was last stocked September 29, 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.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 Devon 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Devon 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Devon Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Gouchenour Pond
17 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2025
Tiber Reservoir
15 mi9 species · 125 records
Last stocked May 2025
Myrvold Reservoir
20 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2022
Lake Shel-oole
17 mi2 species · 50 records
Last stocked September 2021
Walden Reservoir
21 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1988
Violett Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 1965 | Brook Trout | 5,700 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,640 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1944 | Bluegill | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1944 | Crappie | 5,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1939 | Coho Salmon | 21,450 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1938 | Salmon | 12,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1938 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1937 | Brook Trout | 9,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 1934 | Brook Trout | 5,882 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1933 | Brook Trout | 27,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1933 | Coho Salmon | 13,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1932 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 16,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1931 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1931 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1931 | Brook Trout | 16,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Devon Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Devon Reservoir was last stocked September 29, 1965 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Devon Reservoir?
Devon Reservoir is stocked with Brook Trout, Bluegill, Crappie, Coho Salmon, Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Devon Reservoir stocked?
Devon Reservoir is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May.
How often is Devon Reservoir stocked?
Devon Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1965.
How many fish have been stocked in Devon Reservoir?
About 186,672 fish have been stocked in Devon Reservoir across 16 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Devon Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Devon Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Devon 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 Devon Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Devon 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.