Pishkun Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pishkun Reservoir was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Kokanee. Pishkun Reservoir has 289 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–2026, with about 10,105,454 fish stocked over that period.
When Pishkun Reservoir is stocked
Pishkun Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 86 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pishkun 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 Pishkun 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 Pishkun Reservoir was last stocked May 1, 2026, 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 Pishkun 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Pishkun 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 Pishkun Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Tunnel Lake
7 mi6 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clemons Coulee Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
Swazee Lake
13 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Dickens Lake
10 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2024
Split Rock Lake
3 mi8 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2006
Clark Creek
5 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 1993
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Kokanee | 8,582 | 3.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2026 | Kokanee | 30,219 | 3.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2026 | Kokanee | 45,806 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 100" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Kokanee | 44,207 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2025 | Kokanee | 22,732 | 3.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2025 | Kokanee | 43,100 | 3.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2025 | Kokanee | 48,387 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,150 | 7.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,752 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Kokanee | 25,715 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Kokanee | 45,000 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2024 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2024 | Kokanee | 30,000 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 10,435 | 6.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 12,959 | 6.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 12,194 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 11,951 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Kokanee | 44,001 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Kokanee | 24,445 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 15,525 | 5.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 10,662 | 6.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Kokanee | 46,611 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Kokanee | 24,267 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2022 | Kokanee | 29,100 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 12,109 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 9,539 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 10,084 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 10,401 | 7.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2021 | Kokanee | 38,520 | 3.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2021 | Kokanee | 20,235 | 3.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2021 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 8,377 | 7.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 6,623 | 7.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 8,195 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 7,682 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2020 | Kokanee | 202,923 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 12,109 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2019 | Kokanee | 99,850 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 17,769 | 6.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2018 | Kokanee | 50,268 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 7,114 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 28,643 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 7,453 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2017 | Kokanee | 51,690 | 2.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,027 | 8.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 7,568 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 8,448 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 14,079 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 289 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Pishkun Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pishkun Reservoir was last stocked May 1, 2026 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Pishkun Reservoir?
Pishkun Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, Spottail Shiner, Walleye, Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Coho Salmon, and Salmon.
What time of year is Pishkun Reservoir stocked?
Pishkun Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Pishkun Reservoir stocked?
Pishkun Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 289 recorded stockings between 1932 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Pishkun Reservoir?
About 10,105,454 fish have been stocked in Pishkun Reservoir across 289 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pishkun Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Pishkun Reservoir average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pishkun 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 Pishkun Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Pishkun 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.