Quick Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Quick Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 1982 with Rainbow Trout. Quick Reservoir has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1982, with about 50,050 fish stocked over that period.
When Quick Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Quick 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 Quick 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 Quick Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 1982, 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 Quick 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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 Quick 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Quick Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kountz Pond
14 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2025
Wilgosh Reservoir
14 mi3 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2014
Groh Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1961
Wendell Dam
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1960
Mamle Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 1957
Mathershead Dam
6 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1955
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1954 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1954 | Bluegill | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1945 | Crappie | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 5, 1945 | Bluegill | 300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1945 | Bullhead | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1945 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Quick Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Quick Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 1982 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Quick Reservoir?
Quick Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and Bullhead.
How often is Quick Reservoir stocked?
Quick Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Quick Reservoir?
About 50,050 fish have been stocked in Quick Reservoir across 11 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Quick Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Quick Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Quick 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 Quick Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Quick 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.