Nielsen Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1998 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nielsen Dam was last stocked April 28, 1998 with Rainbow Trout. Nielsen Dam has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1998, with about 5,157 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nielsen 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 Nielsen 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 Nielsen Dam was last stocked April 28, 1998, 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 Nielsen Dam:
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.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Nielsen Dam
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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Nielsen Dam, freshest activity first.
Flat Lake
17 mi5 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2025
Milk River
16 mi13 species · 325 records
Last stocked May 2014
Frazer Lake
10 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1996
Greenwood Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked April 1987
Nickels Dam
10 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1978
Gribble Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1955 | Largemouth Bass | 375 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1955 | Bluegill | 1,280 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1945 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1945 | Bullhead | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Nielsen Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nielsen Dam was last stocked April 28, 1998 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Nielsen Dam?
Nielsen Dam is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Bullhead.
How often is Nielsen Dam stocked?
Nielsen Dam is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1998.
How many fish have been stocked in Nielsen Dam?
About 5,157 fish have been stocked in Nielsen Dam across 5 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nielsen Dam?
Fish stocked in Nielsen Dam average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nielsen 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in Nielsen Dam?
Freshly stocked trout in Nielsen Dam 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.