King Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, King Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. King Reservoir has 62 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2025, with about 164,372 fish stocked over that period.
When King Reservoir is stocked
King Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for King 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 King 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 King Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 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 King 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for King 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 King Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Anderson Reservoir
15 mi6 species · 45 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ulrich Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2025
Pr 018 Reservoir
8 mi3 species · 19 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pr 020 Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Barrett Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1993
Lesli-Ann Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 1.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 3,047 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 3,020 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 827 | 3.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,474 | 3.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,075 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,415 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,023 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 3,102 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,986 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,098 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,009 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,985 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,059 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,030 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,036 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,997 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,007 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,016 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,496 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,511 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 2,524 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,534 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,519 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,508 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,502 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,542 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 62 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was King Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, King Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in King Reservoir?
King Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Bluegill, Bass, and Yellow Perch.
What time of year is King Reservoir stocked?
King Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is King Reservoir stocked?
King Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 62 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in King Reservoir?
About 164,372 fish have been stocked in King Reservoir across 62 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in King Reservoir?
Fish stocked in King Reservoir average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish King 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 King Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in King 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.