Pawlowski Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1955–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pawlowski Dam was last stocked July 30, 1971 with Largemouth Bass. Pawlowski Dam has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1955–1971, with about 162,450 fish stocked over that period.
When Pawlowski Dam is stocked
Pawlowski Dam is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 3 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pawlowski 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 Pawlowski 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 Pawlowski Dam was last stocked July 30, 1971, 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 Pawlowski Dam:
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Pawlowski Dam
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Pawlowski Dam, freshest activity first.
Dreyer Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 1992
Fox Creek
14 mi7 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1989
Skunkbrush Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 1986
Quick Reservoir
15 mi5 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1982
Groh Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1961
Wendell Dam
2 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1960
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1971 | Northern Pike | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1966 | Northern Pike | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1965 | Bass | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1963 | Largemouth Bass | 2,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1961 | Bluegill | 32,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1960 | Largemouth Bass | 2,700 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1960 | Largemouth Bass | 350 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 1960 | Northern Pike | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1958 | Northern Pike | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1957 | Bluegill | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1955 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pawlowski Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pawlowski Dam was last stocked July 30, 1971 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Pawlowski Dam?
Pawlowski Dam is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bass, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Pawlowski Dam stocked?
Pawlowski Dam is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Pawlowski Dam stocked?
Pawlowski Dam is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1955 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Pawlowski Dam?
About 162,450 fish have been stocked in Pawlowski Dam across 12 recorded events since 1955, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pawlowski Dam?
Fish stocked in Pawlowski Dam average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pawlowski 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.