Snag Retention Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2020–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Snag Retention Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Snag Retention Reservoir has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2020–2025, with about 3,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Snag Retention Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Snag Retention 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 Snag Retention 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 Snag Retention Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 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 Snag Retention 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.
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 Snag Retention 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Snag Retention Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Shallow Reservoir
0 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked September 2025
Bresaylor Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2025
Lark Reservoir
7 mi3 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2025
Rebate Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Batosh Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Spanky Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Snag Retention Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Snag Retention Reservoir was last stocked May 29, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Snag Retention Reservoir?
Snag Retention Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Snag Retention Reservoir stocked?
Snag Retention Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 2020 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Snag Retention Reservoir?
About 3,500 fish have been stocked in Snag Retention Reservoir across 6 recorded events since 2020, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Snag Retention Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Snag Retention Reservoir average about 6.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Snag Retention 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 Snag Retention Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Snag Retention 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.