Long Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Long Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 1966 with Northern Pike. Long Reservoir has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1966, with about 49,575 fish stocked over that period.
When Long Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Long 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 Long 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 Long Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 1966, 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 Long 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.
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 Long 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 Long Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Big Wall Pond
8 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Colony Pond
13 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2015
Gage Slough
9 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1991
Aldrich Pond
22 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1988
Skunk Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Easy Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 1966 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,640 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,080 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1955 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1955 | Bluegill | 2,560 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,745 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 3, 1950 | Bullhead | 375 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 3, 1950 | Largemouth Bass | 375 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Long Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Long Reservoir was last stocked June 9, 1966 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Long Reservoir?
Long Reservoir is stocked with Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Bullhead.
How often is Long Reservoir stocked?
Long Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in Long Reservoir?
About 49,575 fish have been stocked in Long Reservoir across 10 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Long Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Long Reservoir average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Long 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 Long Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Long 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.