Maier Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1984–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maier Reservoir was last stocked July 15, 2003 with Smallmouth Bass. Maier Reservoir has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1984–2003, with about 25,200 fish stocked over that period.
When Maier Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Maier 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 Maier 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 Maier Reservoir was last stocked July 15, 2003, 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 Maier 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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Maier 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 Maier Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Maier Pond
0 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
South Sandstone Reservoir
7 mi7 species · 118 records
Last stocked June 2025
Lake Baker
8 mi12 species · 86 records
Last stocked June 2025
Pruett Pond
11 mi1 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2025
Upper Baker Lake
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2022
Reiger Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2003 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2001 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,300 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1999 | Smallmouth Bass | 2,700 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1997 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1995 | Smallmouth Bass | 2,200 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1993 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1991 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 4, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1984 | White Crappie | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1984 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Maier Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maier Reservoir was last stocked July 15, 2003 with Smallmouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Maier Reservoir?
Maier Reservoir is stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and White Crappie.
How often is Maier Reservoir stocked?
Maier Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1984 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Maier Reservoir?
About 25,200 fish have been stocked in Maier Reservoir across 11 recorded events since 1984, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Maier Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Maier Reservoir average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Maier 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 Maier Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Maier 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.