Mccarthy Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–1987 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mccarthy Reservoir was last stocked July 22, 1987 with Rainbow Trout. Mccarthy Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–1987, with about 992 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mccarthy 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 Mccarthy 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 Mccarthy Reservoir was last stocked July 22, 1987, 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 Mccarthy 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.
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 Mccarthy 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Mccarthy Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Bear Lake
5 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked October 2024
Leslie Lake
9 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2023
Boulder Kids Ponds
4 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1984
Boulder School Pond
3 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked April 1974
Hobo Gulch
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1965
Eightmile Creek
8 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked September 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 22, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 201 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 481 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 310 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mccarthy Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mccarthy Reservoir was last stocked July 22, 1987 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mccarthy Reservoir?
Mccarthy Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Mccarthy Reservoir stocked?
Mccarthy Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1982 and 1987.
How many fish have been stocked in Mccarthy Reservoir?
About 992 fish have been stocked in Mccarthy Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mccarthy Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Mccarthy Reservoir average about 9.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mccarthy 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 Mccarthy Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Mccarthy 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.