Drabbels Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1966–1977 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Drabbels Reservoir was last stocked June 7, 1977 with Walleye. Drabbels Reservoir has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1966–1977, with about 50,660 fish stocked over that period.
When Drabbels Reservoir is stocked
Drabbels Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Drabbels 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 Drabbels 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 Drabbels Reservoir was last stocked June 7, 1977, 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 Drabbels 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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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 Drabbels 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 Drabbels Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Douchette Lake
16 mi6 species · 48 records
Last stocked September 2025
Reservoir Number 161
17 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2024
Saddlebrook Pond
6 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked June 2017
Empire Reservoir
13 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2012
Yeska Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1979
Hanson Reservoir
13 mi6 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 1977 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 4,994 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 7,920 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1972 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1972 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,084 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 5,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,180 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 7,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1968 | Crappie | 200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1966 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Drabbels Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Drabbels Reservoir was last stocked June 7, 1977 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Drabbels Reservoir?
Drabbels Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie.
What time of year is Drabbels Reservoir stocked?
Drabbels Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Drabbels Reservoir stocked?
Drabbels Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1966 and 1977.
How many fish have been stocked in Drabbels Reservoir?
About 50,660 fish have been stocked in Drabbels Reservoir across 14 recorded events since 1966, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Drabbels Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Drabbels Reservoir average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Drabbels 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 Drabbels Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Drabbels 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.