Perimeter Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–1975 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Perimeter Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 1975 with Rainbow Trout. Perimeter Reservoir has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–1975, with about 14,348 fish stocked over that period.
When Perimeter Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Perimeter 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 Perimeter 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 Perimeter Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 1975, 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 Perimeter 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.
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.
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.
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 Perimeter 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Perimeter Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Trout Pond
6 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2025
Home Run Pond
13 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Flat Lake
8 mi5 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2025
Coe Campsite Pond #1
5 mi1 species · 62 records
Last stocked July 2020
Milk River
11 mi13 species · 325 records
Last stocked May 2014
Fort Peck Dredge Cuts
6 mi9 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,015 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,058 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,522 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 815 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1973 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 567 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,071 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 1973 | Fathead Minnow | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Perimeter Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Perimeter Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 1975 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Perimeter Reservoir?
Perimeter Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Fathead Minnow.
How often is Perimeter Reservoir stocked?
Perimeter Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 9 recorded stockings between 1973 and 1975.
How many fish have been stocked in Perimeter Reservoir?
About 14,348 fish have been stocked in Perimeter Reservoir across 9 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Perimeter Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Perimeter Reservoir average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Perimeter 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 Perimeter Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Perimeter 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.