Holter Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Holter Reservoir was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Holter Reservoir has 1,185 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2025, with about 21,394,165 fish stocked over that period.
When Holter Reservoir is stocked
Holter Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 168 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Holter 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 Holter 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 Holter Reservoir was last stocked September 17, 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 Holter 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.
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).
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Holter 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Holter Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Unnamed
8 mi3 species · 26 records
Last stocked June 2026
Margaret Lake
13 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2024
Hound Creek Reservoir
13 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2015
Wildcat Creek
11 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2011
Lake Helena
17 mi8 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 1999
Pollack Pond
11 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked July 1981
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,929 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,950 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,929 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,546 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,640 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,192 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,312 | 7.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,275 | 7.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,264 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,971 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 8,688 | 8.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,661 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,949 | 8.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,239 | 8.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,600 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,025 | 8.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,792 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,083 | 8.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 8,568 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,971 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,256 | 7.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,688 | 8.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,340 | 8.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,258 | 8.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,115 | 8.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,925 | 8.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,884 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,125 | 8.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,928 | 8.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,496 | 8.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,736 | 8.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,286 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,009 | 8.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,916 | 7.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 12,866 | 7.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,695 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 12,300 | 7.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 12,213 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,956 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,208 | 7.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,230 | 7.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 13,653 | 7.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 14,688 | 7.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 10,688 | 7.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 9,878 | 7.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 10,536 | 8.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 9,982 | 8.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 10,488 | 8.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 11,325 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 11,568 | 7.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Holter Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Holter Reservoir was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Holter Reservoir?
Holter Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Kokanee.
What time of year is Holter Reservoir stocked?
Holter Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Holter Reservoir stocked?
Holter Reservoir has been stocked about 12 times a year — 1,185 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Holter Reservoir?
About 21,394,165 fish have been stocked in Holter Reservoir across 1,185 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Holter Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Holter Reservoir average about 6.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Holter 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 Holter Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Holter 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.