Killen Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1963–1996 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Killen Reservoir was last stocked October 3, 1996 with Largemouth Bass. Killen Reservoir has 34 stocking records on file, spanning 1963–1996, with about 57,980 fish stocked over that period.
When Killen Reservoir is stocked
Killen Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Killen 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 Killen 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 Killen Reservoir was last stocked October 3, 1996, 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 Killen 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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Killen 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 Killen Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Killen, John #2 Res.
6 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Beecher Trout Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2025
Ringstveit Lake
12 mi2 species · 52 records
Last stocked May 2025
Potts Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Potts Reservoir 2
12 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2019
Newman Pond
13 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked April 2004
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 3, 1996 | Largemouth Bass | 80 | 12.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1996 | Smallmouth Bass | 400 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1996 | Smallmouth Bass | 200 | 12.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1996 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1995 | Smallmouth Bass | 2,500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 26 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Northern Pike | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Killen Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Killen Reservoir was last stocked October 3, 1996 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Killen Reservoir?
Killen Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Northern Pike.
What time of year is Killen Reservoir stocked?
Killen Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Killen Reservoir stocked?
Killen Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 34 recorded stockings between 1963 and 1996.
How many fish have been stocked in Killen Reservoir?
About 57,980 fish have been stocked in Killen Reservoir across 34 recorded events since 1963, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Killen Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Killen Reservoir average about 3.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Killen 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 Killen Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Killen 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.