Lambert Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1951–1961 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lambert Reservoir was last stocked July 19, 1961 with Bluegill. Lambert Reservoir has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1951–1961, with about 11,325 fish stocked over that period.
When Lambert Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lambert 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 Lambert 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 Lambert Reservoir was last stocked July 19, 1961, 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 Lambert 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Lambert 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 Lambert Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Talcott Pond
7 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Craft Pond 1
13 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2019
Gardiner Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2019
Doug Gardiner Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1992
Tauck Brothers Pond
10 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1979
Walker Reservoir 1
14 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1961 | Bluegill | 7,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1961 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 175 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lambert Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lambert Reservoir was last stocked July 19, 1961 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Lambert Reservoir?
Lambert Reservoir is stocked with Bluegill and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Lambert Reservoir stocked?
Lambert Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1951 and 1961.
How many fish have been stocked in Lambert Reservoir?
About 11,325 fish have been stocked in Lambert Reservoir across 6 recorded events since 1951, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lambert Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lambert Reservoir average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lambert 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.