Stoyanoff Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1957–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stoyanoff Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 1967 with Rainbow Trout. Stoyanoff Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1957–1967, with about 28,700 fish stocked over that period.
When Stoyanoff Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stoyanoff 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 Stoyanoff 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 Stoyanoff Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 1967, 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 Stoyanoff 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Stoyanoff 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 Stoyanoff Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
13 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Doggett Reservoir
2 mi2 species · 58 records
Last stocked July 2023
Camas Lake
10 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2017
Newlan Creek
12 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Sheep Creek
13 mi4 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2008
Keep Cool Resevoir
1 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked June 1996
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,630 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,550 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 4,520 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stoyanoff Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stoyanoff Reservoir was last stocked May 17, 1967 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stoyanoff Reservoir?
Stoyanoff Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Stoyanoff Reservoir stocked?
Stoyanoff Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1957 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Stoyanoff Reservoir?
About 28,700 fish have been stocked in Stoyanoff Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1957, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stoyanoff Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Stoyanoff Reservoir average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stoyanoff 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 Stoyanoff Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Stoyanoff 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.