Rednose Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1956–1995 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rednose Reservoir was last stocked July 18, 1995 with Largemouth Bass. Rednose Reservoir has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1956–1995, with about 87,551 fish stocked over that period.
When Rednose Reservoir is stocked
Rednose Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in September — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rednose 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 Rednose 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 Rednose Reservoir was last stocked July 18, 1995, 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 Rednose 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Rednose 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.
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 Rednose Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Blue Creek Pond
8 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2023
Spear-o Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1999
Conley Pond
14 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 1995
Black Canyon Creek
12 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 1983
Parker Reservoir
4 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1978
Lafever Pond
5 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1978 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1974 | Channel Catfish | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,491 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1966 | Largemouth Bass | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1966 | Bluegill | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1964 | Fathead Minnow | 200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1957 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1957 | Bluegill | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1956 | Bluegill | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1956 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rednose Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rednose Reservoir was last stocked July 18, 1995 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Rednose Reservoir?
Rednose Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Fathead Minnow.
What time of year is Rednose Reservoir stocked?
Rednose Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in September.
How often is Rednose Reservoir stocked?
Rednose Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 46 recorded stockings between 1956 and 1995.
How many fish have been stocked in Rednose Reservoir?
About 87,551 fish have been stocked in Rednose Reservoir across 46 recorded events since 1956, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rednose Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Rednose Reservoir average about 7.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rednose 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 Rednose Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Rednose 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.