Valley Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1972–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Valley Reservoir was last stocked August 31, 1990 with Walleye. Valley Reservoir has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1972–1990, with about 105,621 fish stocked over that period.
When Valley Reservoir is stocked
Valley Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Valley 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 Valley 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 Valley Reservoir was last stocked August 31, 1990, 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 Valley 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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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 Valley 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Valley Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Lake
11 mi16 species · 1842 records
Last stocked July 2025
Medicine Lake
19 mi10 species · 82 records
Last stocked June 2025
Troika Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2011
Carpenter Creek Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1994
Coulter Trout Pond
21 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 1994
Murnion Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 31, 1990 | Walleye | 559 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1990 | Fathead Minnow | 15,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1989 | Walleye | 250 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1989 | Fathead Minnow | 31,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 275 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1986 | Yellow Perch | 4,875 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 973 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1986 | Fathead Minnow | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,698 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,508 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 4,543 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 4,550 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,524 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,510 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,620 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,071 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Valley Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Valley Reservoir was last stocked August 31, 1990 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Valley Reservoir?
Valley Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Fathead Minnow, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Valley Reservoir stocked?
Valley Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Valley Reservoir stocked?
Valley Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1972 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Valley Reservoir?
About 105,621 fish have been stocked in Valley Reservoir across 22 recorded events since 1972, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Valley Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Valley Reservoir average about 4.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Valley 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 Valley Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Valley 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.