Dry Lake Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1999–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Lake Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Bluegill. Dry Lake Reservoir has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1999–2025, with about 16,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Dry Lake Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dry Lake 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 Dry Lake 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 Dry Lake 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir:
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 Dry Lake Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Dry Lake Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Sagebrush Reservoir
9 mi4 species · 51 records
Last stocked September 2025
Taint Reservoir
10 mi3 species · 47 records
Last stocked September 2025
Hump Lake
11 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 2025
Paleface Reservoir
11 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ulrich Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whiteface Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2025 | Bluegill | 3,000 | 1.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Bluegill | 3,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2023 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 1.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Dry Lake Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Lake Reservoir was last stocked September 24, 2025 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir?
Dry Lake Reservoir is stocked with Bluegill and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Dry Lake Reservoir stocked?
Dry Lake Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1999 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir?
About 16,500 fish have been stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir across 10 recorded events since 1999, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Dry Lake Reservoir average about 1.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dry Lake 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.