Reservoir Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1980–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reservoir Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Reservoir Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2022, with about 8,110 fish stocked over that period.
When Reservoir Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Reservoir Lake
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 Reservoir Lake, 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 Reservoir Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022, 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 Reservoir Lake:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Reservoir Lake
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Reservoir Lake, freshest activity first.
Ruby River Reservoir
13 mi2 species · 189 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elk Lake
10 mi3 species · 198 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lake (Upper)
0 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2025
Axolotl Lake
1 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2022
Vigilante Pond
6 mi2 species · 253 records
Last stocked July 2017
Ennis Kids Pond
11 mi1 species · 199 records
Last stocked June 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 760 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 750 | 5.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 350 | 2.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Reservoir Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reservoir Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Reservoir Lake?
Reservoir Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling.
How often is Reservoir Lake stocked?
Reservoir Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Reservoir Lake?
About 8,110 fish have been stocked in Reservoir Lake across 9 recorded events since 1980, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Reservoir Lake?
Fish stocked in Reservoir Lake average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Reservoir Lake?
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 Reservoir Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Reservoir Lake 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.