Kelly Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1955–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kelly Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Kelly Reservoir has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1955–2025, with about 25,687 fish stocked over that period.
When Kelly Reservoir is stocked
Kelly Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 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 Kelly 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.
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Kelly 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Kelly Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Brady Pond
17 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 2026
Skinnner Reservoir
18 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
Eureka Reservoir
17 mi3 species · 189 records
Last stocked May 2021
Glendora Lake
13 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2019
Middle Lake
12 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1988
Eyraud Lake, upper
12 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 332 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 3.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 3.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 530 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 4.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 544 | 3.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 4.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 5.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 505 | 4.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 3.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 4.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 492 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 4.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 3.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,206 | 5.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,154 | 3.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 6.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1955 | Walleye | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kelly Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kelly Reservoir was last stocked June 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kelly Reservoir?
Kelly Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Walleye.
What time of year is Kelly Reservoir stocked?
Kelly Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Kelly Reservoir stocked?
Kelly Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1955 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Kelly Reservoir?
About 25,687 fish have been stocked in Kelly Reservoir across 31 recorded events since 1955, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kelly Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Kelly Reservoir average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kelly 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 Kelly Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Kelly 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.