Mcchesney Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mcchesney Reservoir was last stocked November 2, 2020 with Bluegill. Mcchesney Reservoir has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2020, with about 57,900 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mcchesney 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 Mcchesney 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 Mcchesney Reservoir was last stocked November 2, 2020, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir:
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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Mcchesney Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Mcchesney Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Paleface Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lark Reservoir
2 mi3 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bresaylor Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whiteface Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2025
Batosh Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Rebate Reservoir
3 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2020 | Bluegill | 7,500 | 0.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1969 | Yellow Perch | 100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1969 | Black Crappie | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1964 | Walleye | 50,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mcchesney Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mcchesney Reservoir was last stocked November 2, 2020 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir?
Mcchesney Reservoir is stocked with Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Walleye.
How often is Mcchesney Reservoir stocked?
Mcchesney Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir?
About 57,900 fish have been stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir across 4 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Mcchesney Reservoir average about 1.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mcchesney 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.