Normans Reservoir 1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Normans Reservoir 1 was last stocked July 22, 1982 with Largemouth Bass. Normans Reservoir 1 has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1982, with about 8,064 fish stocked over that period.
When Normans Reservoir 1 is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Normans Reservoir 1
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 Normans Reservoir 1, 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 Normans Reservoir 1 was last stocked July 22, 1982, 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 Normans Reservoir 1:
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Normans Reservoir 1
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.
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Normans Reservoir 1, freshest activity first.
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Upper
9 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Boy Scout Pond
10 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked June 2019
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Lower
9 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2017
Warm Spring Creek
7 mi6 species · 662 records
Last stocked July 2013
Senef Pond
7 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2013
Cow Creek
9 mi5 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 2003
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 22, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,725 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1974 | Largemouth Bass | 175 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,064 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1947 | Bluegill | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1947 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Normans Reservoir 1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Normans Reservoir 1 was last stocked July 22, 1982 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Normans Reservoir 1?
Normans Reservoir 1 is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Bluegill.
How often is Normans Reservoir 1 stocked?
Normans Reservoir 1 is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Normans Reservoir 1?
About 8,064 fish have been stocked in Normans Reservoir 1 across 7 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Normans Reservoir 1?
Fish stocked in Normans Reservoir 1 average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Normans Reservoir 1?
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 Normans Reservoir 1?
Freshly stocked trout in Normans Reservoir 1 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.