Richardson Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Richardson Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 1978 with Largemouth Bass. Richardson Reservoir has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1978, with about 12,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Richardson Reservoir is stocked
Richardson Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 1978, 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 Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Craft Pond 2
2 mi3 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Talcott Pond
7 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Craft Pond 1
3 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2019
Gardiner Reservoir
9 mi3 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2019
Williams Pond 2
9 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 1997
Williams Pond 1
9 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 1978 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1952 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1952 | Bluegill | 100 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1952 | Bullhead | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1947 | Bluegill | 250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1947 | Largemouth Bass | 250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 1945 | Largemouth Bass | 250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1945 | Bluegill | 5,250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Richardson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Richardson Reservoir was last stocked August 7, 1978 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Richardson Reservoir?
Richardson Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Richardson Reservoir stocked?
Richardson Reservoir is typically stocked year-round, most often in April.
How often is Richardson Reservoir stocked?
Richardson Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Richardson Reservoir?
About 12,520 fish have been stocked in Richardson Reservoir across 18 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Richardson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Richardson Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Richardson 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 Richardson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Richardson 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.