Oil Pump Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1983–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Oil Pump Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Oil Pump Reservoir has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2025, with about 84,271 fish stocked over that period.
When Oil Pump Reservoir is stocked
Oil Pump Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Oil Pump 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 Oil Pump 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 Oil Pump Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2025, 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 Oil Pump 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.
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.
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.
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 Oil Pump 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.
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.
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 Oil Pump Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Rattlesnake Reservoir
3 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2025
Prairie Goat Reservoir
3 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked April 2019
Trangmoe Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1990
Shaw Pond
15 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1989
No Name Reservoir
1 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
Juniper Dam
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1984 | Channel Catfish | 1,764 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Oil Pump Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Oil Pump Reservoir was last stocked May 13, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Oil Pump Reservoir?
Oil Pump Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Channel Catfish.
What time of year is Oil Pump Reservoir stocked?
Oil Pump Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Oil Pump Reservoir stocked?
Oil Pump Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Oil Pump Reservoir?
About 84,271 fish have been stocked in Oil Pump Reservoir across 43 recorded events since 1983, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Oil Pump Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Oil Pump Reservoir average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Oil Pump 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 Oil Pump Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Oil Pump 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.