Martinsdale Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Martinsdale Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Martinsdale Reservoir has 337 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2026, with about 7,176,343 fish stocked over that period.
When Martinsdale Reservoir is stocked
Martinsdale Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 144 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Martinsdale 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 Martinsdale 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 Martinsdale Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026, 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 Martinsdale 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Martinsdale 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Martinsdale Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Hundred Dollar Bill Pond
8 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2026
North Fork Musselshell River
2 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked July 1973
South Fork Musselshell River
2 mi4 species · 121 records
Last stocked June 1970
Haymaker Creek
10 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1953
Sandeno Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1953
Bonanza Creek
12 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 29,728 | 5.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 25,272 | 5.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20,569 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 34,431 | 5.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 28,743 | 4.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 27,770 | 4.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 10,366 | 4.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 42,556 | 4.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,277 | 4.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 49,522 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Brown Trout | 10,355 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 3,130 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 55,629 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 15,016 | 4.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 6,036 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 23,611 | 3.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 25,493 | 3.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 14,814 | 4.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,523 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 17,145 | 3.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 35,281 | 4.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 28,270 | 5.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 4,836 | 5.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 29,170 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 870 | 4.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 36,272 | 4.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 12,456 | 3.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 22,555 | 3.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 37,438 | 4.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 31,502 | 3.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 3,501 | 5.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 24,830 | 4.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 25,262 | 4.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2015 | Brown Trout | 12,803 | 3.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 45,248 | 3.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 4.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 29,892 | 4.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 40,942 | 3.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,187 | 2.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 4.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 40,037 | 4.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 29,988 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 25,384 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 45,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 35,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 35,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,586 | 5.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2010 | Brown Trout | 4,932 | 5.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 3,542 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 37,400 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 337 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Martinsdale Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Martinsdale Reservoir was last stocked May 28, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Martinsdale Reservoir?
Martinsdale Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee.
What time of year is Martinsdale Reservoir stocked?
Martinsdale Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Martinsdale Reservoir stocked?
Martinsdale Reservoir has been stocked about 4 times a year — 337 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Martinsdale Reservoir?
About 7,176,343 fish have been stocked in Martinsdale Reservoir across 337 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Martinsdale Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Martinsdale Reservoir average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Martinsdale 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 Martinsdale Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Martinsdale 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.