Schlesinger Reservoir 1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schlesinger Reservoir 1 was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Schlesinger Reservoir 1 has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–2025, with about 328,460 fish stocked over that period.
When Schlesinger Reservoir 1 is stocked
Schlesinger Reservoir 1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Schlesinger Reservoir 1
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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1, 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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1 was last stocked May 12, 2025, 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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1:
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.
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.
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.
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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1
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.
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.
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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1, freshest activity first.
Big Timber Trout Pond #1
14 mi1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2025
Harold Newman Pond
5 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2021
Big Timber Trout Pond
9 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2021
Jason Phipps Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked April 2019
Big Timber Trout Pond #2
14 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 1994
Severson Reservoir #4
15 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked March 1992
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2004 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2000 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1998 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1990 | Northern Pike | 500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1988 | Northern Pike | 30 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1988 | Northern Pike | 30 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1988 | Northern Pike | 300,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1986 | Fathead Minnow | 300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1986 | Yellow Perch | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Schlesinger Reservoir 1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schlesinger Reservoir 1 was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Schlesinger Reservoir 1?
Schlesinger Reservoir 1 is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, Fathead Minnow, and Yellow Perch.
What time of year is Schlesinger Reservoir 1 stocked?
Schlesinger Reservoir 1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Schlesinger Reservoir 1 stocked?
Schlesinger Reservoir 1 is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1986 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Schlesinger Reservoir 1?
About 328,460 fish have been stocked in Schlesinger Reservoir 1 across 29 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Schlesinger Reservoir 1?
Fish stocked in Schlesinger Reservoir 1 average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Schlesinger Reservoir 1?
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 Schlesinger Reservoir 1?
Freshly stocked trout in Schlesinger Reservoir 1 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.