Prairie Goat Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1958–2019 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Prairie Goat Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019 with Rainbow Trout. Prairie Goat Reservoir has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1958–2019, with about 16,890 fish stocked over that period.
When Prairie Goat Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Prairie Goat 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 Prairie Goat 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 Prairie Goat Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019, 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 Prairie Goat 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 Prairie Goat 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 Prairie Goat Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Rattlesnake Reservoir
0 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2025
Oil Pump Reservoir
3 mi2 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2025
Trangmoe Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1990
Shaw Pond
12 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1989
Juniper Dam
3 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
No Name Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 4,050 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1983 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1981 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1960 | Bluegill | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1958 | Largemouth Bass | 2,540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Prairie Goat Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Prairie Goat Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 2019 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Prairie Goat Reservoir?
Prairie Goat Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
How often is Prairie Goat Reservoir stocked?
Prairie Goat Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1958 and 2019.
How many fish have been stocked in Prairie Goat Reservoir?
About 16,890 fish have been stocked in Prairie Goat Reservoir across 8 recorded events since 1958, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Prairie Goat Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Prairie Goat Reservoir average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Prairie Goat 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 Prairie Goat Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Prairie Goat 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.