McClellan Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, McClellan Reservoir was last stocked April 26, 1978 with Rainbow Trout. McClellan Reservoir has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1967–1978, with about 9,530 fish stocked over that period.
When McClellan Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for McClellan 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 McClellan 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 McClellan Reservoir was last stocked April 26, 1978, 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 McClellan 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 McClellan 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 McClellan Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Candee Pond
15 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lee Pond
15 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2007
Berreth Reservoir
3 mi5 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1993
Fatzinger Reservoir
14 mi5 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 1991
Kwasney Reservoir
14 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1986
Upper Scheetz Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,530 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was McClellan Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, McClellan Reservoir was last stocked April 26, 1978 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in McClellan Reservoir?
McClellan Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is McClellan Reservoir stocked?
McClellan Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1967 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in McClellan Reservoir?
About 9,530 fish have been stocked in McClellan Reservoir across 6 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in McClellan Reservoir?
Fish stocked in McClellan Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish McClellan 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 McClellan Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in McClellan 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.