Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 2006–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir was last stocked May 24, 2012 with Rainbow Trout. Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 2006–2012, with about 13,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Twelvemile Coulee 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 Twelvemile Coulee 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 Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir was last stocked May 24, 2012, 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 Twelvemile Coulee 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 Twelvemile Coulee 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 Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Bailey Reservoir
16 mi7 species · 58 records
Last stocked September 2025
Dry Fork Reservoir
19 mi12 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2025
Diacon Pond
13 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 2021
Clawitter Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2018
Boneau Reservoir
20 mi4 species · 111 records
Last stocked June 2011
Williamson Reservoir
16 mi4 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir was last stocked May 24, 2012 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir?
Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir stocked?
Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 2006 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir?
About 13,000 fish have been stocked in Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 2006, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Twelvemile Coulee 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 Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Twelvemile Coulee 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.