Hagloffs Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1944–2019 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hagloffs Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019 with Rainbow Trout. Hagloffs Reservoir has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1944–2019, with about 44,375 fish stocked over that period.
When Hagloffs Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hagloffs 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 Hagloffs 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 Hagloffs Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019, 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 Hagloffs 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.
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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Hagloffs 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hagloffs Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ponessa Pond
15 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2025
Killen, John #2 Res.
13 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Ross Pond
15 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2019
Murnion, Fred #1
15 mi1 species · 23 records
Last stocked April 2016
Murnion, Fred 2
15 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2016
Hook Reservoir #1
17 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1979 | Smallmouth Bass | 21,150 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1969 | Northern Pike | 8,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1963 | Largemouth Bass | 5,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1963 | Northern Pike | 3,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 1952 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1947 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1944 | Largemouth Bass | 50 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 1944 | Bullhead | 25 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1944 | Crappie | 150 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1944 | Bluegill | 100 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hagloffs Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hagloffs Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hagloffs Reservoir?
Hagloffs Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bullhead, Crappie, and Bluegill.
How often is Hagloffs Reservoir stocked?
Hagloffs Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1944 and 2019.
How many fish have been stocked in Hagloffs Reservoir?
About 44,375 fish have been stocked in Hagloffs Reservoir across 11 recorded events since 1944, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hagloffs Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hagloffs Reservoir average about 2.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hagloffs 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 Hagloffs Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Hagloffs 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.