Smith Reservoir 2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1954–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Reservoir 2 was last stocked April 6, 1981 with Rainbow Trout. Smith Reservoir 2 has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1954–1981, with about 52,000 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smith Reservoir 2
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 Smith Reservoir 2, 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 Smith Reservoir 2 was last stocked April 6, 1981, 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 Smith Reservoir 2:
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Smith Reservoir 2
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 Smith Reservoir 2, freshest activity first.
Gaskill Reservoir # 1
8 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2025
Samuelson, Norman #2
8 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2024
Gaskill # 2
8 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2020
Losinski Pond #3
4 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2019
Sidney Samuelson
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2019
Janssen Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1954 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Smith Reservoir 2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Reservoir 2 was last stocked April 6, 1981 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Smith Reservoir 2?
Smith Reservoir 2 is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Walleye.
How often is Smith Reservoir 2 stocked?
Smith Reservoir 2 is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1954 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in Smith Reservoir 2?
About 52,000 fish have been stocked in Smith Reservoir 2 across 5 recorded events since 1954, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Smith Reservoir 2?
Fish stocked in Smith Reservoir 2 average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smith Reservoir 2?
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 Smith Reservoir 2?
Freshly stocked trout in Smith Reservoir 2 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.