Lindsay Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lindsay Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2014 with Northern Pike. Lindsay Reservoir has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–2014, with about 912,706 fish stocked over that period.
When Lindsay Reservoir is stocked
Lindsay Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lindsay 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 Lindsay 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 Lindsay Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2014, 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 Lindsay 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Lindsay 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Lindsay Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kountz Pond
21 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2025
Johnson Reservoir
25 mi9 species · 56 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hollecker Lake
21 mi10 species · 92 records
Last stocked April 2025
Wilgosh Reservoir
8 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2014
Trangmoe Reservoir
23 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1990
Crisafulli Lake
20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2014 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | 2.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1990 | Northern Pike | 200,000 | 0.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Northern Pike | 450,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1986 | Yellow Perch | 1,450 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1986 | Northern Pike | 200,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 4,680 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,376 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 7, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 5,850 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 1952 | Bullhead | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 1952 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1951 | Northern Pike | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1950 | Crappie | 1,250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1950 | Bullhead | 1,250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1950 | Brook Trout | 760 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 7,140 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1950 | Brook Trout | 760 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1950 | Northern Pike | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1948 | Bullhead | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1948 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1948 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lindsay Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lindsay Reservoir was last stocked June 5, 2014 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Lindsay Reservoir?
Lindsay Reservoir is stocked with Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Lindsay Reservoir stocked?
Lindsay Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April.
How often is Lindsay Reservoir stocked?
Lindsay Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1948 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Lindsay Reservoir?
About 912,706 fish have been stocked in Lindsay Reservoir across 23 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lindsay Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lindsay Reservoir average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lindsay 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 Lindsay Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Lindsay 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.