Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Kokanee. Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir has 80 stocking records on file, spanning 1967–2026, with about 2,782,014 fish stocked over that period.
When Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is stocked
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 41 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Helena Valley Regulating 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 Helena Valley Regulating 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 Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2026, 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 Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir:
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
8 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
10 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hauser Reservoir
4 mi10 species · 897 records
Last stocked April 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
9 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Rock Creek
10 mi6 species · 595 records
Last stocked May 2013
Spokane Creek
4 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked February 2001
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Kokanee | 31,010 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2025 | Kokanee | 30,525 | 3.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Kokanee | 62,415 | 3.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Kokanee | 31,215 | 3.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Kokanee | 50,014 | 3.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2021 | Kokanee | 40,009 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Kokanee | 55,420 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Kokanee | 57,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2018 | Kokanee | 49,528 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2017 | Kokanee | 50,092 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2016 | Kokanee | 65,003 | 1.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2015 | Kokanee | 68,192 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2014 | Kokanee | 65,171 | 2.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2013 | Kokanee | 36,966 | 4.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Kokanee | 37,517 | 2.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2012 | Kokanee | 38,000 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2012 | Kokanee | 37,558 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2011 | Kokanee | 75,908 | 3.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2010 | Kokanee | 21,192 | 4.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2010 | Kokanee | 15,460 | 4.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2010 | Kokanee | 500 | 4.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2010 | Kokanee | 37,548 | 2.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2009 | Kokanee | 16,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 2009 | Kokanee | 38,461 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2009 | Kokanee | 38,212 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2008 | Kokanee | 20,298 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2008 | Kokanee | 17,982 | 4.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2008 | Kokanee | 37,534 | 2.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2007 | Kokanee | 42,080 | 3.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2007 | Kokanee | 40,850 | 2.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2006 | Kokanee | 25,840 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2006 | Kokanee | 26,880 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Kokanee | 52,560 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2004 | Kokanee | 29,675 | 3.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2004 | Kokanee | 21,228 | 3.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2003 | Kokanee | 50,715 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2002 | Kokanee | 46,584 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2001 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2000 | Kokanee | 50,925 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1999 | Kokanee | 35,880 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1999 | Kokanee | 4,100 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1998 | Kokanee | 36,872 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1996 | Kokanee | 34,566 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1995 | Kokanee | 42,672 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1994 | Kokanee | 46,170 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1993 | Kokanee | 36,173 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1992 | Kokanee | 18,471 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1992 | Kokanee | 18,318 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1991 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 80 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir?
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee and Smallmouth Bass.
What time of year is Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir stocked?
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir stocked?
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 80 recorded stockings between 1967 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir?
About 2,782,014 fish have been stocked in Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir across 80 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Helena Valley Regulating 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.