Drag Creek Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1972–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Drag Creek Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Bluegill. Drag Creek Reservoir has 40 stocking records on file, spanning 1972–2025, with about 112,795 fish stocked over that period.
When Drag Creek Reservoir is stocked
Drag Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Drag Creek 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 Drag Creek 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 Drag Creek Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025, 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 Drag Creek 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 Drag Creek 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 Drag Creek Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Dry Blood Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Holland Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
South Fork Blood Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whisker Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Bubs Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2023
Deer Coulee Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2025 | Bluegill | 5,000 | 1.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2023 | Bluegill | 1,000 | 0.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 32 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2005 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2002 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Largemouth Bass | 2,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2000 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,116 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 995 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 20,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,228 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,612 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 5,010 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 7,416 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,091 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Drag Creek Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Drag Creek Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Drag Creek Reservoir?
Drag Creek Reservoir is stocked with Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Drag Creek Reservoir stocked?
Drag Creek Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Drag Creek Reservoir stocked?
Drag Creek Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 40 recorded stockings between 1972 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Drag Creek Reservoir?
About 112,795 fish have been stocked in Drag Creek Reservoir across 40 recorded events since 1972, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Drag Creek Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Drag Creek Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Drag Creek 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 Drag Creek Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Drag Creek 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.