Keogh Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1965–1972 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Keogh Reservoir was last stocked April 20, 1972 with Rainbow Trout. Keogh Reservoir has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1965–1972, with about 7,501 fish stocked over that period.
When Keogh Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Keogh 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 Keogh 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 Keogh Reservoir was last stocked April 20, 1972, 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 Keogh 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Keogh 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 Keogh Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Delmoe Lake
12 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked September 2025
Bear Lake
10 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked October 2024
Mill Creek
12 mi5 species · 246 records
Last stocked April 2002
Mccarthy Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1987
Boulder School Pond
10 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked April 1974
Eightmile Creek
7 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked September 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 787 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 838 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,098 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Keogh Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Keogh Reservoir was last stocked April 20, 1972 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Keogh Reservoir?
Keogh Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Keogh Reservoir stocked?
Keogh Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1965 and 1972.
How many fish have been stocked in Keogh Reservoir?
About 7,501 fish have been stocked in Keogh Reservoir across 8 recorded events since 1965, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Keogh Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Keogh Reservoir average about 10.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Keogh 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 Keogh Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Keogh 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.