Smith Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1972–2001 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Reservoir was last stocked April 23, 2001 with Rainbow Trout. Smith Reservoir has 33 stocking records on file, spanning 1972–2001, with about 99,663 fish stocked over that period.
When Smith Reservoir is stocked
Smith Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith Reservoir was last stocked April 23, 2001, 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:
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 Smith 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Smith Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Trout Pond
10 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2025
Home Run Pond
13 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Flat Lake
11 mi5 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2025
Big Reservoir
12 mi4 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Coe Campsite Pond #1
12 mi1 species · 62 records
Last stocked July 2020
Milk River
9 mi13 species · 325 records
Last stocked May 2014
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 4,605 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,023 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1991 | Channel Catfish | 1,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,040 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 25 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 8,004 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,280 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 61 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Smith Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Reservoir was last stocked April 23, 2001 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Smith Reservoir?
Smith Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Smith Reservoir stocked?
Smith Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Smith Reservoir stocked?
Smith Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 33 recorded stockings between 1972 and 2001.
How many fish have been stocked in Smith Reservoir?
About 99,663 fish have been stocked in Smith Reservoir across 33 recorded events since 1972, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Smith Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Smith Reservoir average about 7.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smith 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 Smith Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Smith 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.