O'Haire Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, O'Haire Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 1966 with Rainbow Trout. O'Haire Reservoir has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1966, with about 36,602 fish stocked over that period.
When O'Haire Reservoir is stocked
O'Haire Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for O'Haire 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 O'Haire 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 O'Haire Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 1966, 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 O'Haire 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 O'Haire 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.
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 O'Haire Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Cameron Lake
11 mi1 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2026
Henry Reservoir
18 mi2 species · 57 records
Last stocked June 2026
Parsell Pond
22 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Shel-oole
29 mi2 species · 50 records
Last stocked September 2021
Cut Bank Club Pond
25 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1989
Fitzpatrick Lake
23 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked April 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,080 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,037 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 2,700 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was O'Haire Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, O'Haire Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 1966 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in O'Haire Reservoir?
O'Haire Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is O'Haire Reservoir stocked?
O'Haire Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is O'Haire Reservoir stocked?
O'Haire Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in O'Haire Reservoir?
About 36,602 fish have been stocked in O'Haire Reservoir across 19 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in O'Haire Reservoir?
Fish stocked in O'Haire Reservoir average about 8.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish O'Haire 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 O'Haire Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in O'Haire 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.