Grady Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–1968 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Grady Dam was last stocked July 30, 1968 with Largemouth Bass. Grady Dam has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–1968, with about 8,290 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Grady Dam
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 Grady Dam, 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 Grady Dam was last stocked July 30, 1968, 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 Grady Dam:
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.
White Crappie Profile Tips
Taken the same way as black crappie — small jigs and minnows fished around brush, docks, and other structure.
Recommended Tackle for Grady Dam
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Grady Dam, freshest activity first.
Glasgow Base Pond
17 mi7 species · 114 records
Last stocked September 2025
Atlas Reservoir
24 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
VR 009 Reservoir
17 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 2025
Big Reservoir
15 mi4 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hoversland Reservoir
23 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2020
Fast Reservoir #2
23 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1968 | Black Bullhead | 200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1968 | White Crappie | 90 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Grady Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Grady Dam was last stocked July 30, 1968 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Grady Dam?
Grady Dam is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Black Bullhead, White Crappie, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Grady Dam stocked?
Grady Dam is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1964 and 1968.
How many fish have been stocked in Grady Dam?
About 8,290 fish have been stocked in Grady Dam across 5 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Grady Dam?
Fish stocked in Grady Dam average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Grady Dam?
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 Grady Dam?
Freshly stocked trout in Grady Dam 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.