Hyalite Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1953–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hyalite Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Hyalite Reservoir has 74 stocking records on file, spanning 1953–2023, with about 1,497,945 fish stocked over that period.
When Hyalite Reservoir is stocked
Hyalite Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 38 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hyalite 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 Hyalite 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 Hyalite Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2023, 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 Hyalite 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.
Recommended Tackle for Hyalite 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.
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 Hyalite Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Heather Lake
5 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2025
Upper Bear Lake
7 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2022
Bear Lakes
7 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2013
Le Clair Pond #2
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1998
Rat Lake
11 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1989
Hyalite Lake
6 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,015 | 2.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,020 | 2.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,950 | 1.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,405 | 2.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,798 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,750 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 31,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,300 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,500 | 3.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 31,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,550 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,424 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,925 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,400 | 2.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 29,274 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 31,500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,460 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,354 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,646 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 425 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,805 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,195 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,644 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,356 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,236 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,145 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,432 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 31,789 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,015 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,116 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 74 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Hyalite Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hyalite Reservoir was last stocked July 17, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hyalite Reservoir?
Hyalite Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Hyalite Reservoir stocked?
Hyalite Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Hyalite Reservoir stocked?
Hyalite Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 74 recorded stockings between 1953 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Hyalite Reservoir?
About 1,497,945 fish have been stocked in Hyalite Reservoir across 74 recorded events since 1953, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hyalite Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Hyalite Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hyalite 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 Hyalite Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Hyalite 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.