Don Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1976–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Don Reservoir was last stocked October 8, 2024 with Bluegill. Don Reservoir has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1976–2024, with about 14,749 fish stocked over that period.
When Don Reservoir is stocked
Don Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Don 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 Don 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 Don Reservoir was last stocked October 8, 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 Don 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
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 Don 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 Don Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Chouteau Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2025
BR 045 Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2025
Br 047 Reservoir
16 mi5 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Brookie Pond
6 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 2025
North Polly Reservoir
15 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2025
Br 012 Reservoir
12 mi8 species · 19 records
Last stocked July 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2024 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 3.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2023 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 1.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2001 | Bluegill | 200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2001 | Bluegill | 200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,056 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,518 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Don Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Don Reservoir was last stocked October 8, 2024 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Don Reservoir?
Don Reservoir is stocked with Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Don Reservoir stocked?
Don Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Don Reservoir stocked?
Don Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1976 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Don Reservoir?
About 14,749 fish have been stocked in Don Reservoir across 15 recorded events since 1976, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Don Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Don Reservoir average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Don 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 Don Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Don 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.