Rostad Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rostad Reservoir was last stocked June 10, 2013 with Rainbow Trout. Rostad Reservoir has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2013, with about 20,015 fish stocked over that period.
When Rostad Reservoir is stocked
Rostad Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rostad 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 Rostad 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 Rostad Reservoir was last stocked June 10, 2013, 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 Rostad 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.
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 Rostad 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.
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 Rostad Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Bonanza Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fourmile Creek
7 mi2 species · 38 records
Last stocked September 2012
Flagstaff Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1999
Duck Creek
6 mi4 species · 92 records
Last stocked October 1986
Higgins Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1963
Bonanza Creek
9 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 4.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | 4.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 4.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 4.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 265 | 4.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 230 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 263 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 242 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 242 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 265 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 293 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 275 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 257 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 262 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 255 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 255 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 255 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 261 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 272 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 269 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 266 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 772 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 768 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 789 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 756 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 751 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 759 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 784 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 756 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 744 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 735 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rostad Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rostad Reservoir was last stocked June 10, 2013 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rostad Reservoir?
Rostad Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Rostad Reservoir stocked?
Rostad Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Rostad Reservoir stocked?
Rostad Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Rostad Reservoir?
About 20,015 fish have been stocked in Rostad Reservoir across 43 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rostad Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Rostad Reservoir average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rostad 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 Rostad Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Rostad 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.