Hungerford Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hungerford Reservoir was last stocked October 13, 1954 with Largemouth Bass. Hungerford Reservoir has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–1954, with about 24,725 fish stocked over that period.
When Hungerford Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hungerford 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 Hungerford 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 Hungerford Reservoir was last stocked October 13, 1954, 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 Hungerford Reservoir:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Hungerford Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hungerford Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Pr 018 Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 19 records
Last stocked May 2025
Reservoir Number 161
10 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2024
Doll Pond
14 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2017
Little Warm Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2016
Empire Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2012
Barrett Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1993
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 13, 1954 | Largemouth Bass | 4,175 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1954 | Bluegill | 20,250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Bullhead | 50 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Bluegill | 50 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Crappie | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Bass | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hungerford Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hungerford Reservoir was last stocked October 13, 1954 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Hungerford Reservoir?
Hungerford Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bullhead, Crappie, and Bass.
How often is Hungerford Reservoir stocked?
Hungerford Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1937 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in Hungerford Reservoir?
About 24,725 fish have been stocked in Hungerford Reservoir across 6 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hungerford Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hungerford Reservoir average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hungerford 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.