Fatzinger Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1991 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fatzinger Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 1991 with Northern Pike. Fatzinger Reservoir has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1991, with about 20,556 fish stocked over that period.
When Fatzinger Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fatzinger 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 Fatzinger 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 Fatzinger Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 1991, 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 Fatzinger Reservoir:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
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 Fatzinger Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Fatzinger Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Candee Pond
2 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2025
Verschoot Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2021
Marottek Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2011
Lee Pond
4 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2007
Tolksdorf Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 23 records
Last stocked May 1980
Poplar River
13 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked June 1975
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 1991 | Northern Pike | 1,100 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1971 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1951 | Northern Pike | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1945 | Crappie | 2,156 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1945 | Bullhead | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1945 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1945 | Bluegill | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Fatzinger Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fatzinger Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 1991 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Fatzinger Reservoir?
Fatzinger Reservoir is stocked with Northern Pike, Crappie, Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
How often is Fatzinger Reservoir stocked?
Fatzinger Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1991.
How many fish have been stocked in Fatzinger Reservoir?
About 20,556 fish have been stocked in Fatzinger Reservoir across 8 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fatzinger Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Fatzinger Reservoir average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fatzinger 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.