Finale Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1978–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Finale Reservoir was last stocked September 21, 1978 with Channel Catfish. Finale Reservoir has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1978–1978, with about 1,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Finale 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 Finale 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 Finale Reservoir was last stocked September 21, 1978, 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 Finale 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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Finale 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Finale Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Troika Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2011
Pr 109a Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked April 2000
Carpenter Creek Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1994
Helen Reservoir
22 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1994
Valley Reservoir
17 mi5 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 1990
Murnion Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 1978 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Finale Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Finale Reservoir was last stocked September 21, 1978 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Finale Reservoir?
Finale Reservoir is stocked with Channel Catfish.
How often is Finale Reservoir stocked?
Finale Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1978 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Finale Reservoir?
About 1,000 fish have been stocked in Finale Reservoir across 1 recorded events since 1978, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Finale Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Finale Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Finale 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.