Manuel Reservoir #2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1988–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Manuel Reservoir #2 was last stocked May 28, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Manuel Reservoir #2 has 37 stocking records on file, spanning 1988–2024, with about 37,340 fish stocked over that period.
When Manuel Reservoir #2 is stocked
Manuel Reservoir #2 is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Manuel Reservoir #2
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 Manuel Reservoir #2, 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 Manuel Reservoir #2 was last stocked May 28, 2024, 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 Manuel Reservoir #2:
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 Manuel Reservoir #2
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 Manuel Reservoir #2, freshest activity first.
Dry Blood Reservoir
17 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Cow Creek Reservoir
6 mi7 species · 72 records
Last stocked October 2025
South Fork Blood Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Petrolia Reservoir
13 mi8 species · 74 records
Last stocked June 2025
Box Elder Creek Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stormwind Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 4.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 495 | 5.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 4.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 29 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,096 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 997 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 3.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 665 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,021 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,125 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,058 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,065 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,634 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Manuel Reservoir #2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Manuel Reservoir #2 was last stocked May 28, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Manuel Reservoir #2?
Manuel Reservoir #2 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Manuel Reservoir #2 stocked?
Manuel Reservoir #2 is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Manuel Reservoir #2 stocked?
Manuel Reservoir #2 is stocked intermittently — 37 recorded stockings between 1988 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Manuel Reservoir #2?
About 37,340 fish have been stocked in Manuel Reservoir #2 across 37 recorded events since 1988, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Manuel Reservoir #2?
Fish stocked in Manuel Reservoir #2 average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Manuel Reservoir #2?
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 Manuel Reservoir #2?
Freshly stocked trout in Manuel Reservoir #2 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.