Shoot Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1974–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shoot Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Shoot Reservoir has 42 stocking records on file, spanning 1974–2025, with about 53,785 fish stocked over that period.
When Shoot Reservoir is stocked
Shoot Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shoot 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 Shoot 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 Shoot Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 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 Shoot 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Shoot 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Shoot Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Home Run Pond
8 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Paulo Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whitetail Reservoir
6 mi9 species · 98 records
Last stocked May 2025
Fast Reservoir #2
12 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2007
Chapman Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1994
Lunch Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 6.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 755 | 7.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 402 | 6.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | 5.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 34 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 568 | 6.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,110 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,029 | 2.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,293 | 2.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 3.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,294 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,309 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,355 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,294 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,345 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,404 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 702 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,483 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,055 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 2,006 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,280 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1978 | Channel Catfish | 800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1978 | Channel Catfish | 52 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,496 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1974 | Largemouth Bass | 29 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,522 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Shoot Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shoot Reservoir was last stocked June 11, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shoot Reservoir?
Shoot Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Shoot Reservoir stocked?
Shoot Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Shoot Reservoir stocked?
Shoot Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 42 recorded stockings between 1974 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Shoot Reservoir?
About 53,785 fish have been stocked in Shoot Reservoir across 42 recorded events since 1974, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shoot Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Shoot Reservoir average about 5.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shoot 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 Shoot Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Shoot 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.