Snake Butte Spring Res Fish Stocking
Montana · 1957–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Snake Butte Spring Res was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Snake Butte Spring Res has 103 stocking records on file, spanning 1957–2008, with about 354,371 fish stocked over that period.
When Snake Butte Spring Res is stocked
Snake Butte Spring Res is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 32 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Snake Butte Spring Res
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 Snake Butte Spring Res, 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 Snake Butte Spring Res was last stocked May 8, 2008, 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 Snake Butte Spring Res:
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Snake Butte Spring Res
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 Snake Butte Spring Res, freshest activity first.
Faber Reservoir
17 mi3 species · 78 records
Last stocked November 2025
North Faber Reservoir
16 mi4 species · 60 records
Last stocked September 2025
Br 043 Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2011
Strike Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 52 records
Last stocked May 2008
Childrens Pond
7 mi2 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 2006
Martin Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | 10.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 6,013 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 5,179 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 5,518 | 6.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 5,688 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 151 | 11.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 5,978 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 9.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 3,150 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,697 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,700 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,430 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 19 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,010 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 11,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,260 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 5,580 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 7,997 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 103 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Snake Butte Spring Res last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Snake Butte Spring Res was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Snake Butte Spring Res?
Snake Butte Spring Res is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Snake Butte Spring Res stocked?
Snake Butte Spring Res is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Snake Butte Spring Res stocked?
Snake Butte Spring Res has been stocked about 2 times a year — 103 recorded stockings between 1957 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Snake Butte Spring Res?
About 354,371 fish have been stocked in Snake Butte Spring Res across 103 recorded events since 1957, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Snake Butte Spring Res?
Fish stocked in Snake Butte Spring Res average about 9.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Snake Butte Spring Res?
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 Snake Butte Spring Res?
Freshly stocked trout in Snake Butte Spring Res 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.