Payola Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1975–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Payola Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Payola Reservoir has 33 stocking records on file, spanning 1975–2025, with about 113,725 fish stocked over that period.
When Payola Reservoir is stocked
Payola Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Payola 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 Payola 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 Payola Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Payola Reservoir:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Payola Reservoir
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 Payola Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Dry Blood Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Cow Creek Reservoir
13 mi7 species · 72 records
Last stocked October 2025
South Fork Blood Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Box Elder Creek Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2025
Haynie Pond
13 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
War Horse Lake
4 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 25 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 30,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2005 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2000 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1998 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1993 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 3,600 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 3,600 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1977 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 25 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1975 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Payola Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Payola Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Payola Reservoir?
Payola Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Payola Reservoir stocked?
Payola Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Payola Reservoir stocked?
Payola Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 33 recorded stockings between 1975 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Payola Reservoir?
About 113,725 fish have been stocked in Payola Reservoir across 33 recorded events since 1975, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Payola Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Payola Reservoir average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Payola 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.