Empire Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1971–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Empire Reservoir was last stocked June 27, 2012 with Rainbow Trout. Empire Reservoir has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1971–2012, with about 6,100 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Empire 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 Empire 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 Empire Reservoir was last stocked June 27, 2012, 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 Empire 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.
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.
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 Empire 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 Empire Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Reservoir Number 161
5 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2024
Ester Lake
14 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 2023
Doll Pond
10 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2017
Saddlebrook Pond
13 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked June 2017
Little Warm Reservoir
10 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2016
Wild Horse Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2010
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1979 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Empire Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Empire Reservoir was last stocked June 27, 2012 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Empire Reservoir?
Empire Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Empire Reservoir stocked?
Empire Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1971 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Empire Reservoir?
About 6,100 fish have been stocked in Empire Reservoir across 4 recorded events since 1971, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Empire Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Empire Reservoir average about 2.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Empire 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 Empire Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Empire 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.