Salsbury Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Salsbury Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2020 with Rainbow Trout. Salsbury Reservoir has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–2020, with about 190,392 fish stocked over that period.
When Salsbury Reservoir is stocked
Salsbury Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Salsbury 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 Salsbury 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 Salsbury Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2020, 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 Salsbury 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 Salsbury 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 Salsbury Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Johnson Reservoir
11 mi9 species · 56 records
Last stocked May 2025
Kuester Lake
6 mi5 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2024
Verschoot Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2021
Kvaalen Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1988
Gladowski Reservoir
14 mi4 species · 23 records
Last stocked October 1987
Latka Reservoir
8 mi5 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 1979
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 3,968 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,210 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,315 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 305 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,603 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,976 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Salsbury Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Salsbury Reservoir was last stocked May 12, 2020 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Salsbury Reservoir?
Salsbury Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Salsbury Reservoir stocked?
Salsbury Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Salsbury Reservoir stocked?
Salsbury Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 46 recorded stockings between 1970 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Salsbury Reservoir?
About 190,392 fish have been stocked in Salsbury Reservoir across 46 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Salsbury Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Salsbury Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Salsbury 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 Salsbury Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Salsbury 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.