Kubesh Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1944–1972 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kubesh Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 1972 with Walleye. Kubesh Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1944–1972, with about 25,600 fish stocked over that period.
When Kubesh Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kubesh 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 Kubesh 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 Kubesh Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Kubesh Reservoir:
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Kubesh Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Kubesh Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Johnson Reservoir
18 mi9 species · 56 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hollecker Lake
13 mi10 species · 92 records
Last stocked April 2025
Wilgosh Reservoir
14 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2014
Lindsay Reservoir
11 mi8 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2014
Trangmoe Reservoir
20 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1990
Crisafulli Lake
12 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 1972 | Walleye | 3,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1958 | Walleye | 3,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1951 | Walleye | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1950 | Crappie | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1950 | Walleye | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1944 | Bluegill | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1944 | Crappie | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kubesh Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kubesh Reservoir was last stocked May 16, 1972 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Kubesh Reservoir?
Kubesh Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Crappie, and Bluegill.
How often is Kubesh Reservoir stocked?
Kubesh Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1944 and 1972.
How many fish have been stocked in Kubesh Reservoir?
About 25,600 fish have been stocked in Kubesh Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1944, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kubesh Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Kubesh Reservoir average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kubesh 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.