Hanson Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hanson Reservoir was last stocked September 4, 1969 with Fathead Minnow. Hanson Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1969, with about 66,350 fish stocked over that period.
When Hanson Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hanson 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 Hanson 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 Hanson Reservoir was last stocked September 4, 1969, 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 Hanson 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.
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 Hanson 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.
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.
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 Hanson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Cole Pond NNW
12 mi8 species · 98 records
Last stocked August 2025
Cole Pond SW
12 mi3 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2025
Cole Pond NW
12 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2025
Saddlebrook Pond
17 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked June 2017
McNab Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2006
Helen Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 1969 | Fathead Minnow | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1968 | Fathead Minnow | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1968 | Brook Trout | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1967 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1956 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hanson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hanson Reservoir was last stocked September 4, 1969 with Fathead Minnow.
What fish species are stocked in Hanson Reservoir?
Hanson Reservoir is stocked with Fathead Minnow, Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Hanson Reservoir stocked?
Hanson Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Hanson Reservoir?
About 66,350 fish have been stocked in Hanson Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hanson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hanson Reservoir average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hanson 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 Hanson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Hanson 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.