Petrolia Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1953–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Petrolia Reservoir was last stocked June 24, 2025 with Walleye. Petrolia Reservoir has 74 stocking records on file, spanning 1953–2025, with about 1,855,134 fish stocked over that period.
When Petrolia Reservoir is stocked
Petrolia Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 39 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Petrolia 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 Petrolia 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 Petrolia Reservoir was last stocked June 24, 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 Petrolia 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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Petrolia 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.
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 Petrolia Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Yellow Water Reservoir
12 mi6 species · 118 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cow Creek Reservoir
10 mi7 species · 72 records
Last stocked October 2025
Payola Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2025
Box Elder Creek Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2025
Manuel Reservoir #2
13 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Cotton Dam
15 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | Walleye | 9,399 | 1.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2025 | Walleye | 9,399 | 1.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2024 | Walleye | 22,262 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2023 | Walleye | 20,572 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2022 | Walleye | 20,824 | 1.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2022 | Yellow Perch | 32,190 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 5.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2021 | Walleye | 20,048 | 1.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,624 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2020 | Walleye | 20,252 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2019 | Walleye | 21,593 | 1.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2018 | Walleye | 7,605 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2017 | Walleye | 20,207 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2016 | Walleye | 21,743 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2015 | Walleye | 20,909 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2014 | Walleye | 20,224 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Walleye | 20,079 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,605 | 8.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,912 | 8.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2010 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 10,022 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2009 | Walleye | 21,528 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2008 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2007 | Walleye | 20,055 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Walleye | 22,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2006 | Yellow Perch | 690 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2004 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2003 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2002 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2001 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2000 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1999 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1998 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1998 | Spottail Shiner | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1998 | Spottail Shiner | 2,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1997 | Walleye | 17,957 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1997 | Spottail Shiner | 2,100 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1996 | Walleye | 20,002 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1996 | Spottail Shiner | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1995 | Spottail Shiner | 200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1995 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1993 | Walleye | 20,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1991 | Walleye | 10,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1989 | Yellow Perch | 250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Walleye | 150,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1986 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Northern Pike | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1985 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 74 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Petrolia Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Petrolia Reservoir was last stocked June 24, 2025 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Petrolia Reservoir?
Petrolia Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Spottail Shiner, Northern Pike, Burbot, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Petrolia Reservoir stocked?
Petrolia Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Petrolia Reservoir stocked?
Petrolia Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 74 recorded stockings between 1953 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Petrolia Reservoir?
About 1,855,134 fish have been stocked in Petrolia Reservoir across 74 recorded events since 1953, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Petrolia Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Petrolia Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Petrolia 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 Petrolia Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Petrolia 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.