Schendle Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–1991 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schendle Reservoir was last stocked September 11, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout. Schendle Reservoir has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–1991, with about 21,940 fish stocked over that period.
When Schendle Reservoir is stocked
Schendle Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Schendle 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 Schendle 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 Schendle Reservoir was last stocked September 11, 1991, 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 Schendle 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.
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.
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 Schendle 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 Schendle Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Cook Reservoir 2
7 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Grace Lake
13 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked September 2025
Upper Baldy Lake
13 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2025
Cook Reservoir 1
8 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 1997
Schafer Pond
1 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 1992
Duck Creek
10 mi4 species · 92 records
Last stocked October 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 11, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,027 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 175 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,076 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 992 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Schendle Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schendle Reservoir was last stocked September 11, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Schendle Reservoir?
Schendle Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Schendle Reservoir stocked?
Schendle Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Schendle Reservoir stocked?
Schendle Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1969 and 1991.
How many fish have been stocked in Schendle Reservoir?
About 21,940 fish have been stocked in Schendle Reservoir across 22 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Schendle Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Schendle Reservoir average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Schendle 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 Schendle Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Schendle 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.