Eureka Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2021 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eureka Reservoir was last stocked May 27, 2021 with Rainbow Trout. Eureka Reservoir has 189 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2021, with about 4,695,529 fish stocked over that period.
When Eureka Reservoir is stocked
Eureka Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 63 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Eureka Reservoir was last stocked May 27, 2021, 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 Eureka 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Eureka 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Eureka Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Pishkun Reservoir
15 mi8 species · 289 records
Last stocked May 2026
Perkins Pond
9 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 2025
Bynum Reservoir
7 mi8 species · 167 records
Last stocked June 2024
Glendora Lake
3 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2019
Middle Lake
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1988
Eyraud Lake, upper
15 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 53,053 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 51,801 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 288 | 10.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2017 | Brown Trout | 8,649 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 54,055 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 33,000 | 3.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2014 | Brown Trout | 8,937 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 51,615 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 45,225 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2013 | Brown Trout | 19,970 | 3.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 59,532 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 20,152 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 17,186 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 17,740 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 14,784 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 33,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 18,445 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 17,071 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 30,307 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 16,614 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 14,537 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 29,814 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 15,682 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 14,810 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 30,808 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 15,488 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 14,976 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 14,080 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 15,065 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 32,278 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 28,522 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 28,750 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 6,670 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 23,142 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 17,807 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 12,492 | 5.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 28,771 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 9,952 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 16,077 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 28,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 15,558 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 15,672 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 30,444 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 18,084 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 189 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Eureka Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eureka Reservoir was last stocked May 27, 2021 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Eureka Reservoir?
Eureka Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Eureka Reservoir stocked?
Eureka Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Eureka Reservoir stocked?
Eureka Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 189 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Eureka Reservoir?
About 4,695,529 fish have been stocked in Eureka Reservoir across 189 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Eureka Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Eureka Reservoir average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Eureka 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 Eureka Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Eureka 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.