Lanning Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1991–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lanning Reservoir was last stocked June 16, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Lanning Reservoir has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1991–2025, with about 25,772 fish stocked over that period.
When Lanning Reservoir is stocked
Lanning Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lanning 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 Lanning 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 Lanning Reservoir was last stocked June 16, 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 Lanning 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 Lanning 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 Lanning Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Silvan Pond
4 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked August 2025
Gasvoda Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2025
Iliad Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2025
Crow Coulee Reservoir
15 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2025
Pegar Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2022
Williamson Reservoir
18 mi4 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,150 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 505 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1994 | Brook Trout | 1,016 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1993 | Brook Trout | 1,001 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lanning Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lanning Reservoir was last stocked June 16, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lanning Reservoir?
Lanning Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Lanning Reservoir stocked?
Lanning Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Lanning Reservoir stocked?
Lanning Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1991 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Lanning Reservoir?
About 25,772 fish have been stocked in Lanning Reservoir across 26 recorded events since 1991, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lanning Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lanning Reservoir average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lanning 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 Lanning Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Lanning 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.