Nickels Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1976–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nickels Dam was last stocked September 21, 1978 with Channel Catfish. Nickels Dam has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1976–1978, with about 1,345 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nickels Dam
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 Nickels Dam, 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 Nickels Dam was last stocked September 21, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Nickels Dam:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Nickels Dam
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Nickels Dam, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Trout Pond
11 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2025
Flat Lake
8 mi5 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2025
Coe Campsite Pond #1
10 mi1 species · 62 records
Last stocked July 2020
Milk River
6 mi13 species · 325 records
Last stocked May 2014
Fort Peck Dredge Cuts
12 mi9 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2013
Winter Harbor Pond
10 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 2009
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 1978 | Channel Catfish | 900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1976 | Crappie | 180 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1976 | Crappie | 265 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Nickels Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nickels Dam was last stocked September 21, 1978 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Nickels Dam?
Nickels Dam is stocked with Channel Catfish and Crappie.
How often is Nickels Dam stocked?
Nickels Dam is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1976 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Nickels Dam?
About 1,345 fish have been stocked in Nickels Dam across 3 recorded events since 1976, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nickels Dam?
Fish stocked in Nickels Dam average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nickels Dam?
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.