Holtan Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Holtan Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Holtan Reservoir has 36 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2025, with about 56,352 fish stocked over that period.
When Holtan Reservoir is stocked
Holtan Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Holtan 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 Holtan 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 Holtan Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 2025, 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 Holtan 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.
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Holtan 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 Holtan Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Raymond Dam
11 mi8 species · 57 records
Last stocked August 2025
Boxelder Lake
12 mi5 species · 115 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hatfield Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 2025
Christensen Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 70 records
Last stocked June 2025
Carlson Pond
15 mi1 species · 53 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wagner Reservoir
15 mi4 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2024 | Yellow Perch | 5,000 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 28 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 7.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,120 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,412 | 3.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | 3.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,012 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,039 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,294 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,033 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,772 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Holtan Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Holtan Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Holtan Reservoir?
Holtan Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Holtan Reservoir stocked?
Holtan Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Holtan Reservoir stocked?
Holtan Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 36 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Holtan Reservoir?
About 56,352 fish have been stocked in Holtan Reservoir across 36 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Holtan Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Holtan Reservoir average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Holtan 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 Holtan Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Holtan 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.