Forsman Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2007 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forsman Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2007 with Largemouth Bass. Forsman Reservoir has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2007, with about 25,300 fish stocked over that period.
When Forsman Reservoir is stocked
Forsman Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Forsman 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 Forsman 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 Forsman Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2007, 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 Forsman 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Forsman 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.
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.
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 Forsman Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Glasgow Base Pond
12 mi7 species · 114 records
Last stocked September 2025
Atlas Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
Nelson Reservoir
8 mi11 species · 209 records
Last stocked June 2025
O'juel Lake
15 mi1 species · 62 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hose Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2025
VR 009 Reservoir
12 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1992 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 1,525 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1974 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1968 | Fathead Minnow | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1968 | Brook Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 1944 | Largemouth Bass | 675 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 6, 1944 | Bluegill | 6,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1937 | Bullhead | 50 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Forsman Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forsman Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2007 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Forsman Reservoir?
Forsman Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Fathead Minnow, Brook Trout, Bluegill, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Forsman Reservoir stocked?
Forsman Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Forsman Reservoir stocked?
Forsman Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2007.
How many fish have been stocked in Forsman Reservoir?
About 25,300 fish have been stocked in Forsman Reservoir across 14 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Forsman Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Forsman Reservoir average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Forsman 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 Forsman Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Forsman 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.