Pr 018 Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pr 018 Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Pr 018 Reservoir has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–2025, with about 47,442 fish stocked over that period.
When Pr 018 Reservoir is stocked
Pr 018 Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pr 018 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 Pr 018 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 Pr 018 Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 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 Pr 018 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 Pr 018 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 Pr 018 Reservoir, freshest activity first.
King Reservoir
8 mi5 species · 62 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pr 020 Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Barrett Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1993
Levi Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1969
Lesli-Ann Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1968
Holzhey Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 6.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 5,580 | 3.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1998 | Largemouth Bass | 3,162 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 5,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1979 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1946 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1941 | Bass | 150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pr 018 Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pr 018 Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pr 018 Reservoir?
Pr 018 Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bass.
What time of year is Pr 018 Reservoir stocked?
Pr 018 Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Pr 018 Reservoir stocked?
Pr 018 Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1941 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Pr 018 Reservoir?
About 47,442 fish have been stocked in Pr 018 Reservoir across 19 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pr 018 Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Pr 018 Reservoir average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pr 018 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 Pr 018 Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Pr 018 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.