Potts Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1989–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Potts Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Potts Reservoir has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1989–2025, with about 72,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Potts Reservoir is stocked
Potts Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Potts 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 Potts 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 Potts Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 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 Potts 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.
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 Potts 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.
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 Potts Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Lee Pit, A.G.
12 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2020
Al Lee Pit Res.
12 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2020
Lee, A. G. Pit #2 Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2020
Potts Reservoir 2
3 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2019
Lee Pond 2
8 mi4 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2013
Black Coulee Reservoir
9 mi4 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Potts Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Potts Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Potts Reservoir?
Potts Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Potts Reservoir stocked?
Potts Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Potts Reservoir stocked?
Potts Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1989 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Potts Reservoir?
About 72,000 fish have been stocked in Potts Reservoir across 35 recorded events since 1989, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Potts Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Potts Reservoir average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Potts 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 Potts Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Potts 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.