Lyons Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lyons Reservoir was last stocked April 14, 1993 with Rainbow Trout. Lyons Reservoir has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1993, with about 102,034 fish stocked over that period.
When Lyons Reservoir is stocked
Lyons Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lyons 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 Lyons 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 Lyons Reservoir was last stocked April 14, 1993, 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 Lyons 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.
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.
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Lyons 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Lyons Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Faber Reservoir
8 mi3 species · 78 records
Last stocked November 2025
Ross Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 71 records
Last stocked September 2025
Grasshopper Reservoir
8 mi3 species · 87 records
Last stocked September 2025
H.C. Kuhr Reservoir
5 mi6 species · 74 records
Last stocked April 2025
Martin Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1997
Ramberg Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 14, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 6,002 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1986 | Northern Pike | 31 | 28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1986 | Northern Pike | 31 | 28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1984 | White Crappie | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1984 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1982 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1980 | Smallmouth Bass | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 1977 | Walleye | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1971 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 4,992 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,950 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 6,006 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,712 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,070 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 3,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lyons Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lyons Reservoir was last stocked April 14, 1993 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lyons Reservoir?
Lyons Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, White Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
What time of year is Lyons Reservoir stocked?
Lyons Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Lyons Reservoir stocked?
Lyons Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Lyons Reservoir?
About 102,034 fish have been stocked in Lyons Reservoir across 20 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lyons Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Lyons Reservoir average about 5.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lyons 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 Lyons Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Lyons 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.