Skunkbrush Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Skunkbrush Reservoir was last stocked July 28, 1986 with Largemouth Bass. Skunkbrush Reservoir has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–1986, with about 13,270 fish stocked over that period.
When Skunkbrush Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Skunkbrush 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 Skunkbrush 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 Skunkbrush Reservoir was last stocked July 28, 1986, 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 Skunkbrush 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Skunkbrush 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 Skunkbrush Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Nielsen Dam
18 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 1998
Dreyer Reservoir
8 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 1992
Kwasney Reservoir
18 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1986
Pawlowski Dam
16 mi4 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 1971
Pawlowski Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1965
Lockhart Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 1964
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Skunkbrush Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Skunkbrush Reservoir was last stocked July 28, 1986 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Skunkbrush Reservoir?
Skunkbrush Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Skunkbrush Reservoir stocked?
Skunkbrush Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1970 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Skunkbrush Reservoir?
About 13,270 fish have been stocked in Skunkbrush Reservoir across 10 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Skunkbrush Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Skunkbrush Reservoir average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Skunkbrush 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 Skunkbrush Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Skunkbrush 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.