Strike Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Strike Reservoir was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Strike Reservoir has 52 stocking records on file, spanning 1967–2008, with about 242,695 fish stocked over that period.
When Strike Reservoir is stocked
Strike Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Strike 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 Strike 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 Strike Reservoir 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 Strike 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Strike 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.
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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Strike Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Hart Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2009
Lodge Pole Creek
16 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2008
Childrens Pond
14 mi2 species · 64 records
Last stocked June 2006
Bus Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1994
White Bear Creek
2 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1992
Cronk Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 3,739 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,813 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,079 | 5.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,155 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,606 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,170 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,883 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,068 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,688 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,730 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,452 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,335 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 52 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Strike Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Strike Reservoir was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Strike Reservoir?
Strike Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye.
What time of year is Strike Reservoir stocked?
Strike Reservoir is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Strike Reservoir stocked?
Strike Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 52 recorded stockings between 1967 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Strike Reservoir?
About 242,695 fish have been stocked in Strike Reservoir across 52 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Strike Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Strike Reservoir average about 8.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Strike 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 Strike Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Strike 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.