Johnson Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Johnson Reservoir has 56 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–2025, with about 172,190 fish stocked over that period.
When Johnson Reservoir is stocked
Johnson Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 2025, 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 Johnson 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.
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.
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Johnson 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Johnson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kuester Lake
12 mi5 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2024
Verschoot Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2021
Salsbury Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 46 records
Last stocked May 2020
Wilgosh Reservoir
21 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2014
Kvaalen Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1988
Upper Scheetz Reservoir
24 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 205 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2019 | Yellow Perch | 2,500 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 2018 | Yellow Perch | 1,000 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2018 | Yellow Perch | 448 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | 2.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,525 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,480 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2006 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,650 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2004 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2002 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,200 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2000 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,400 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1998 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1996 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1996 | Yellow Perch | 2,300 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1984 | Yellow Perch | 640 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,690 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Largemouth Bass | 3,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1966 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1964 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1963 | Walleye | 25,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 17,019 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 3,840 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,763 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,763 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,210 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 1952 | Bullhead | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 1952 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1950 | Bullhead | 80 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 1950 | Largemouth Bass | 80 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1944 | Crappie | 3,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1942 | Crappie | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 56 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Johnson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Johnson Reservoir?
Johnson Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bullhead, Crappie, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Johnson Reservoir stocked?
Johnson Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Johnson Reservoir stocked?
Johnson Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 56 recorded stockings between 1940 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Johnson Reservoir?
About 172,190 fish have been stocked in Johnson Reservoir across 56 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Johnson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Johnson Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Johnson 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 Johnson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Johnson 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.