Kicking Horse Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1926–1991 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kicking Horse Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1991 with Largemouth Bass. Kicking Horse Reservoir has 40 stocking records on file, spanning 1926–1991, with about 138,281 fish stocked over that period.
When Kicking Horse Reservoir is stocked
Kicking Horse Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in June — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kicking 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 Kicking 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 Kicking Horse Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1991, 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 Kicking 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Kicking 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.
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.
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 Kicking Horse Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ninepipes Pond (Allentown)
2 mi1 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mollman Lake 1
7 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2024
Mollman Lake 2
7 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2024
Mcdonald Lake
5 mi2 species · 113 records
Last stocked June 2008
Hidden Lakes 1
3 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 2008
Ninepipe Reservoir
2 mi4 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2005
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 23, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 17,361 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 528 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 425 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 32 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 432 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 826 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 806 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 25, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 24, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 23, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 22, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 1, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,625 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 875 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 907 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 6, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 8, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 23, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,602 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,602 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,609 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1936 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1931 | Smallmouth Bass | 61 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1930 | Smallmouth Bass | 112 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1927 | Sunfish | 75,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1927 | Bass | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1926 | Sunfish | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1926 | Bass | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kicking Horse Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kicking Horse Reservoir was last stocked July 23, 1991 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Kicking Horse Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, and Bass.
What time of year is Kicking Horse Reservoir stocked?
Kicking Horse Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in June.
How often is Kicking Horse Reservoir stocked?
Kicking Horse Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 40 recorded stockings between 1926 and 1991.
How many fish have been stocked in Kicking Horse Reservoir?
About 138,281 fish have been stocked in Kicking Horse Reservoir across 40 recorded events since 1926, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Kicking Horse Reservoir average about 7.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kicking 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 Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Kicking 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.