Shaw Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1991–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shaw Reservoir was last stocked June 22, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Shaw Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1991–1994, with about 4,500 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw Reservoir was last stocked June 22, 1994, 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 Shaw 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Shaw 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Shaw Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Eightmile Springs
15 mi6 species · 72 records
Last stocked May 2026
Crow Coulee Reservoir
14 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2025
Marias River
14 mi8 species · 247 records
Last stocked September 2023
Courtnage Reservoir #1
15 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked June 2003
Boyle Coulee
5 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Courtnage Reservoir 2
16 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 1985
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1993 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Shaw Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shaw Reservoir was last stocked June 22, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shaw Reservoir?
Shaw Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
How often is Shaw Reservoir stocked?
Shaw Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1991 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Shaw Reservoir?
About 4,500 fish have been stocked in Shaw Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 1991, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shaw Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Shaw Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shaw 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 Shaw Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Shaw 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.