Hungry Horse Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1943–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hungry Horse Reservoir was last stocked October 16, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout. Hungry Horse Reservoir has 33 stocking records on file, spanning 1943–1990, with about 6,736,220 fish stocked over that period.
When Hungry Horse Reservoir is stocked
Hungry Horse Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hungry Horse 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 Hungry Horse 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 Hungry Horse Reservoir was last stocked October 16, 1990, 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 Hungry Horse 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Hungry Horse 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hungry Horse Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Handkerchief Lake
5 mi2 species · 59 records
Last stocked September 2024
Almeda Lake
5 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
Clayton Lake
5 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 2024
Lower Seven Acres Lake
5 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2010
Upper Seven Acres Lake
6 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2003
Felix Creek
0 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 16, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,084 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,182 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,728 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,400 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,218 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,416 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,807 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1963 | Arctic Grayling | 292,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 25 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 80,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,125 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,125 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,125 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,200 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1961 | Arctic Grayling | 162,950 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1960 | Arctic Grayling | 142,310 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1959 | Arctic Grayling | 220,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1956 | Arctic Grayling | 450,490 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1956 | Arctic Grayling | 450,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1956 | Arctic Grayling | 550,460 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1955 | Arctic Grayling | 534,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1955 | Arctic Grayling | 534,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1955 | Arctic Grayling | 690,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1955 | Arctic Grayling | 450,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1954 | Arctic Grayling | 270,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1954 | Arctic Grayling | 300,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1954 | Arctic Grayling | 300,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1953 | Arctic Grayling | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1953 | Arctic Grayling | 700,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1953 | Arctic Grayling | 400,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hungry Horse Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hungry Horse Reservoir was last stocked October 16, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hungry Horse Reservoir?
Hungry Horse Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Hungry Horse Reservoir stocked?
Hungry Horse Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Hungry Horse Reservoir stocked?
Hungry Horse Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 33 recorded stockings between 1943 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Hungry Horse Reservoir?
About 6,736,220 fish have been stocked in Hungry Horse Reservoir across 33 recorded events since 1943, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hungry Horse Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hungry Horse Reservoir average about 6.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hungry Horse 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 Hungry Horse Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Hungry Horse 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.