Reservoir Number 161 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reservoir Number 161 was last stocked July 31, 2024 with Yellow Perch. Reservoir Number 161 has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2024, with about 62,360 fish stocked over that period.
When Reservoir Number 161 is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Reservoir Number 161
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 Number 161, 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 Number 161 was last stocked July 31, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Reservoir Number 161:
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Reservoir Number 161
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Reservoir Number 161, freshest activity first.
Ester Lake
9 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 2023
Doll Pond
5 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2017
Little Warm Reservoir
7 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2016
Empire Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2012
Wild Horse Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2010
Unnamed Pond
6 mi6 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2024 | Yellow Perch | 30,000 | 1.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2009 | Northern Pike | 1,080 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1969 | Northern Pike | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1966 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1966 | Northern Pike | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1944 | Bluegill | 3,480 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Bluegill | 150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Crappie | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 1941 | Yellow Perch | 2,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Bullhead | 150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1937 | Bass | 300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Reservoir Number 161 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Reservoir Number 161 was last stocked July 31, 2024 with Yellow Perch.
What fish species are stocked in Reservoir Number 161?
Reservoir Number 161 is stocked with Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Bullhead, and Bass.
How often is Reservoir Number 161 stocked?
Reservoir Number 161 is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Reservoir Number 161?
About 62,360 fish have been stocked in Reservoir Number 161 across 11 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Reservoir Number 161?
Fish stocked in Reservoir Number 161 average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Reservoir Number 161?
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.