Reiger Bros Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1955–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reiger Bros Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Reiger Bros Reservoir has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1955–2024, with about 50,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Reiger Bros Reservoir is stocked
Reiger Bros Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Reiger Bros 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 Reiger Bros 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 Reiger Bros Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024, 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 Reiger Bros 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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Reiger Bros 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.
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 Reiger Bros Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Beardsley Jim #1
8 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2025
Beardsley Jim #2 (Hough)
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1989
Reiger Bros Reservoir #1
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1983
Avalos Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 1983
Bohle Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Leland Lake
9 mi4 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1955 | Walleye | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Reiger Bros Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reiger Bros Reservoir was last stocked June 6, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Reiger Bros Reservoir?
Reiger Bros Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Walleye.
What time of year is Reiger Bros Reservoir stocked?
Reiger Bros Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Reiger Bros Reservoir stocked?
Reiger Bros Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1955 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Reiger Bros Reservoir?
About 50,500 fish have been stocked in Reiger Bros Reservoir across 15 recorded events since 1955, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Reiger Bros Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Reiger Bros Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Reiger Bros 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 Reiger Bros Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Reiger Bros 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.