Lockhart Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–1964 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lockhart Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1964 with Rainbow Trout. Lockhart Reservoir has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1964–1964, with about 1,500 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lockhart 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 Lockhart 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 Lockhart Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1964, 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 Lockhart 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.
Recommended Tackle for Lockhart 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 Lockhart Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Nielsen Dam
17 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 1998
Dreyer Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 1992
Skunkbrush Reservoir
2 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 1986
Kwasney Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1986
Pawlowski Dam
16 mi4 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 1971
Pawlowski Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1965
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lockhart Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lockhart Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1964 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lockhart Reservoir?
Lockhart Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Lockhart Reservoir stocked?
Lockhart Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1964 and 1964.
How many fish have been stocked in Lockhart Reservoir?
About 1,500 fish have been stocked in Lockhart Reservoir across 1 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lockhart Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lockhart Reservoir average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lockhart 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 Lockhart Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Lockhart 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.