Sentinel Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sentinel Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Sentinel Reservoir has 58 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–2025, with about 281,825 fish stocked over that period.
When Sentinel Reservoir is stocked
Sentinel Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sentinel 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 Sentinel 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 Sentinel Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 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 Sentinel 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 Sentinel 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Sentinel Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Paleface Reservoir
2 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked September 2025
Taint Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 47 records
Last stocked September 2025
Whiteface Reservoir
3 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2025
Lark Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bresaylor Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2025
Batosh Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 6,185 | 3.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 6,006 | 2.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 5,986 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 6,022 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 6,040 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,653 | 3.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,948 | 3.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 6,016 | 2.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 5,047 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 6,090 | 2.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 6,022 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 5,175 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 6,033 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 6,068 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 6,018 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 5,970 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,046 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,990 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,040 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,996 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 5,027 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,993 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,984 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 717 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,003 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 3,510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 4,032 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,070 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 5,258 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 58 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Sentinel Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Sentinel Reservoir was last stocked May 14, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sentinel Reservoir?
Sentinel Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Sentinel Reservoir stocked?
Sentinel Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Sentinel Reservoir stocked?
Sentinel Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 58 recorded stockings between 1970 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Sentinel Reservoir?
About 281,825 fish have been stocked in Sentinel Reservoir across 58 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sentinel Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Sentinel Reservoir average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sentinel 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 Sentinel Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Sentinel 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.