Marsh Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–2004 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marsh Reservoir was last stocked August 3, 2004 with Largemouth Bass. Marsh Reservoir has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1967–2004, with about 12,297 fish stocked over that period.
When Marsh Reservoir is stocked
Marsh Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Marsh 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 Marsh 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 Marsh Reservoir was last stocked August 3, 2004, 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 Marsh 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Black Crappie Profile Tips
Often caught around structure with small jigs or minnows, especially in spring when crappie move shallow to spawn.
Recommended Tackle for Marsh 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 Marsh Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Raymond Dam
8 mi8 species · 57 records
Last stocked August 2025
Boxelder Lake
5 mi5 species · 115 records
Last stocked June 2025
Christensen Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 70 records
Last stocked June 2025
Carlson Pond
6 mi1 species · 53 records
Last stocked June 2025
Holtan Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wagner Reservoir
1 mi4 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 3, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1989 | Black Crappie | 80 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,133 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1979 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1979 | Black Crappie | 98 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1978 | Black Crappie | 236 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 1971 | Fathead Minnow | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1971 | Brook Trout | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1967 | Yellow Perch | 20 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1967 | Crappie | 30 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Marsh Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marsh Reservoir was last stocked August 3, 2004 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Marsh Reservoir?
Marsh Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Fathead Minnow, Brook Trout, Yellow Perch, and Crappie.
What time of year is Marsh Reservoir stocked?
Marsh Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Marsh Reservoir stocked?
Marsh Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1967 and 2004.
How many fish have been stocked in Marsh Reservoir?
About 12,297 fish have been stocked in Marsh Reservoir across 13 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Marsh Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Marsh Reservoir average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Marsh 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 Marsh Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Marsh 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.