Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2003 with Smallmouth Bass. Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–2003, with about 68,846 fish stocked over that period.
When Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Engdahl Cottonwood 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 Engdahl Cottonwood 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 Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2003, 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 Engdahl Cottonwood 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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
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 Engdahl Cottonwood 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 Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Medicine Lake
10 mi10 species · 82 records
Last stocked June 2025
Clark Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2025
Watt Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2025
Trumbo Pond
3 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2009
Olsen Pond 1
8 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked March 2005
Engdahl Reservoir 2
4 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2003 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,500 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2001 | Smallmouth Bass | 5,500 | 0.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1999 | Smallmouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1999 | Smallmouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1993 | Smallmouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 42,846 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2003 with Smallmouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir?
Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir is stocked with Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir stocked?
Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1986 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir?
About 68,846 fish have been stocked in Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir average about 1.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Engdahl Cottonwood 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.