Lower Crow Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1958–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Crow Reservoir was last stocked October 28, 1981 with Rainbow Trout. Lower Crow Reservoir has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1958–1981, with about 508,439 fish stocked over that period.
When Lower Crow Reservoir is stocked
Lower Crow Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lower Crow 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 Lower Crow 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 Lower Crow Reservoir was last stocked October 28, 1981, 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 Lower Crow 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Lower Crow 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 Lower Crow Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ninepipes Pond (Allentown)
7 mi1 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pablo Reservoir
10 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2008
Hidden Lakes 1
10 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 2008
Ninepipe Reservoir
6 mi4 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2005
Swartz Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2002
Kicking Horse Reservoir
7 mi5 species · 40 records
Last stocked July 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 28, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 25,046 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 25,550 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 26,146 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 13,780 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 7,777 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 8,443 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 25,223 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 18,201 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 11,350 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 11,010 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 38,085 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 14,870 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 10,363 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 27,789 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,210 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,640 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,926 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 7,756 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 8,484 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 8,761 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 20,987 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 7,360 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 7,092 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 20,496 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 34,544 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 66,080 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,460 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lower Crow Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Crow Reservoir was last stocked October 28, 1981 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lower Crow Reservoir?
Lower Crow Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Lower Crow Reservoir stocked?
Lower Crow Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Lower Crow Reservoir stocked?
Lower Crow Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1958 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in Lower Crow Reservoir?
About 508,439 fish have been stocked in Lower Crow Reservoir across 28 recorded events since 1958, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lower Crow Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lower Crow Reservoir average about 5.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Crow 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 Lower Crow Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Lower Crow 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.