Hook Reservoir #3 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1984–1999 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hook Reservoir #3 was last stocked May 26, 1999 with Rainbow Trout. Hook Reservoir #3 has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1984–1999, with about 15,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Hook Reservoir #3 is stocked
Hook Reservoir #3 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hook Reservoir #3
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 Hook Reservoir #3, 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 Hook Reservoir #3 was last stocked May 26, 1999, 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 Hook Reservoir #3:
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Hook Reservoir #3
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.
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 Hook Reservoir #3, freshest activity first.
Ponessa Pond
5 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2025
Killen, John #2 Res.
17 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Potts Reservoir
19 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Potts Reservoir 2
20 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2019
Hagloffs Reservoir
15 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 2019
Fort Keogh Pond
21 mi3 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 2019
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hook Reservoir #3 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hook Reservoir #3 was last stocked May 26, 1999 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hook Reservoir #3?
Hook Reservoir #3 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Hook Reservoir #3 stocked?
Hook Reservoir #3 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Hook Reservoir #3 stocked?
Hook Reservoir #3 is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1984 and 1999.
How many fish have been stocked in Hook Reservoir #3?
About 15,000 fish have been stocked in Hook Reservoir #3 across 15 recorded events since 1984, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hook Reservoir #3?
Fish stocked in Hook Reservoir #3 average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hook Reservoir #3?
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 Hook Reservoir #3?
Freshly stocked trout in Hook Reservoir #3 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.