Hubbart Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hubbart Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Hubbart Reservoir has 125 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–2024, with about 2,488,164 fish stocked over that period.
When Hubbart Reservoir is stocked
Hubbart Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 51 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hubbart 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 Hubbart 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 Hubbart Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024, 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 Hubbart 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 Hubbart 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.
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 Hubbart Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Lower Thompson Lake
15 mi6 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Little Mcgregor Lake
8 mi4 species · 91 records
Last stocked June 2026
Mcgregor Lake
9 mi7 species · 334 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rogers Lake
12 mi3 species · 112 records
Last stocked September 2024
Cabin Lake
4 mi2 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Little Bitterroot Lake
12 mi6 species · 411 records
Last stocked June 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2024 | Kokanee | 25,326 | 2.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 14,990 | 3.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Kokanee | 17,706 | 2.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 13,952 | 3.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 13,500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2021 | Kokanee | 47,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 3.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2020 | Kokanee | 50,924 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 3.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2019 | Kokanee | 49,648 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 16,062 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 3.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2017 | Kokanee | 45,288 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,103 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 14,400 | 3.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2016 | Kokanee | 50,347 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 16,269 | 3.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2015 | Kokanee | 51,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 13,500 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 3.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2013 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2012 | Kokanee | 55,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 15,225 | 3.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,766 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,028 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2011 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 8,220 | 3.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,804 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2010 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 12,274 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,931 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 10,452 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2009 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 15,050 | 2.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Kokanee | 6,015 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2008 | Kokanee | 27,104 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 7,168 | 3.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2007 | Kokanee | 40,800 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2007 | Kokanee | 9,600 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 7,854 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Kokanee | 27,200 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Kokanee | 20,240 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,285 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 11,160 | 3.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 16, 2005 | Kokanee | 49,920 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 15,042 | 3.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2004 | Kokanee | 28,620 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 125 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Hubbart Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hubbart Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hubbart Reservoir?
Hubbart Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Kokanee.
What time of year is Hubbart Reservoir stocked?
Hubbart Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Hubbart Reservoir stocked?
Hubbart Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 125 recorded stockings between 1949 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Hubbart Reservoir?
About 2,488,164 fish have been stocked in Hubbart Reservoir across 125 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hubbart Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hubbart Reservoir average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hubbart 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 Hubbart Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Hubbart 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.