Knutson Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–1984 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Knutson Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1984 with Rainbow Trout. Knutson Reservoir has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–1984, with about 13,488 fish stocked over that period.
When Knutson Reservoir is stocked
Knutson Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Knutson 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 Knutson 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 Knutson Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1984, 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 Knutson 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Knutson 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Knutson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ackley Lake
10 mi7 species · 255 records
Last stocked May 2026
Dipping Vat Pond
11 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 2025
South Fork Judith River
14 mi2 species · 171 records
Last stocked September 2011
C-1 Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2004
Surprise Creek Reservoir
14 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Middle Fork Judith River
14 mi2 species · 98 records
Last stocked August 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 527 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 509 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 1976 | Brook Trout | 1,086 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1971 | Brook Trout | 1,060 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1970 | Brook Trout | 1,040 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Knutson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Knutson Reservoir was last stocked May 9, 1984 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Knutson Reservoir?
Knutson Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Knutson Reservoir stocked?
Knutson Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Knutson Reservoir stocked?
Knutson Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1970 and 1984.
How many fish have been stocked in Knutson Reservoir?
About 13,488 fish have been stocked in Knutson Reservoir across 14 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Knutson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Knutson Reservoir average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Knutson 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 Knutson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Knutson 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.