Lamesteer Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1944–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lamesteer Reservoir was last stocked April 1, 1986 with Northern Pike. Lamesteer Reservoir has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1944–1986, with about 657,920 fish stocked over that period.
When Lamesteer Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lamesteer 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 Lamesteer 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 Lamesteer Reservoir was last stocked April 1, 1986, 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 Lamesteer 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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
White Crappie Profile Tips
Taken the same way as black crappie — small jigs and minnows fished around brush, docks, and other structure.
Recommended Tackle for Lamesteer 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 Lamesteer Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Pruett Pond
19 mi1 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2025
Schweigert Dam
21 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked May 2025
Wibaux Fish Pond
12 mi4 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 2025
Rush Hall Reservoir
15 mi6 species · 55 records
Last stocked May 1998
Shaw Pond
15 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1989
Kartevold Pond
20 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 1986 | Northern Pike | 450,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1984 | White Crappie | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1957 | Walleye | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1955 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1954 | Bluegill | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1954 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 1944 | Bluegill | 8,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 1944 | Bluegill | 5,670 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 1944 | Crappie | 7,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1944 | Bluegill | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lamesteer Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lamesteer Reservoir was last stocked April 1, 1986 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Lamesteer Reservoir?
Lamesteer Reservoir is stocked with Northern Pike, White Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, and Crappie.
How often is Lamesteer Reservoir stocked?
Lamesteer Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1944 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Lamesteer Reservoir?
About 657,920 fish have been stocked in Lamesteer Reservoir across 10 recorded events since 1944, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lamesteer Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lamesteer Reservoir average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lamesteer 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.