Nevada Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nevada Reservoir was last stocked May 23, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Nevada Reservoir has 65 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–2022, with about 557,626 fish stocked over that period.
When Nevada Reservoir is stocked
Nevada Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada Reservoir was last stocked May 23, 2022, 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 Nevada 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).
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Nevada 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Nevada Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Island Lake
11 mi6 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2024
Geary Pond
10 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2019
Nevada Creek
14 mi3 species · 56 records
Last stocked August 1990
Peterson Creek
7 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked October 1975
Arrastra Creek
11 mi2 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1969
Keep Cool Creek
11 mi2 species · 47 records
Last stocked July 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 4.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 4.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 5.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,928 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,900 | 5.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 4.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,087 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,228 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,108 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,768 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,270 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,070 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,139 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,115 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,250 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,978 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 28,025 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 5,985 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 10,800 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,280 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 330 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 12,720 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 4,480 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1951 | Coho Salmon | 6,370 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1950 | Coho Salmon | 2,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 10,704 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 5,376 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1948 | Coho Salmon | 4,845 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 65 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Nevada Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nevada Reservoir was last stocked May 23, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Nevada Reservoir?
Nevada Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Nevada Reservoir stocked?
Nevada Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in April.
How often is Nevada Reservoir stocked?
Nevada Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 65 recorded stockings between 1939 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Nevada Reservoir?
About 557,626 fish have been stocked in Nevada Reservoir across 65 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nevada Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Nevada Reservoir average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nevada 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 Nevada Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Nevada 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.