Doggett Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Doggett Reservoir was last stocked July 11, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Doggett Reservoir has 58 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2023, with about 81,922 fish stocked over that period.
When Doggett Reservoir is stocked
Doggett Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Doggett 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 Doggett 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 Doggett Reservoir was last stocked July 11, 2023, 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 Doggett 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Doggett 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Doggett Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
12 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Camas Lake
9 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2017
Newlan Creek
10 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Keep Cool Resevoir
1 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked June 1996
Buckingham Reservoir
13 mi3 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 1986
Blacktail Creek
12 mi3 species · 54 records
Last stocked July 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,485 | 5.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 5.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,388 | 5.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,590 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,580 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,700 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,540 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 749 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 748 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 807 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 766 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 772 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 768 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,127 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,590 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 58 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Doggett Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Doggett Reservoir was last stocked July 11, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Doggett Reservoir?
Doggett Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Doggett Reservoir stocked?
Doggett Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Doggett Reservoir stocked?
Doggett Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 58 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Doggett Reservoir?
About 81,922 fish have been stocked in Doggett Reservoir across 58 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Doggett Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Doggett Reservoir average about 4.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Doggett 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 Doggett Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Doggett 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.