Volf Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Volf Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1981 with Rainbow Trout. Volf Reservoir has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–1981, with about 12,293 fish stocked over that period.
When Volf Reservoir is stocked
Volf Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Volf 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 Volf 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 Volf Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1981, 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 Volf 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 Volf 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.
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 Volf Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Brewington Pond North
3 mi1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Brewington Pond South
3 mi1 species · 94 records
Last stocked May 2026
West Fork Cottonwood Creek
7 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2004
Nelsons Pond
19 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2003
Pecks Pond
4 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked April 1986
Brooks Reservoir 2
2 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 1975
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 806 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 809 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 807 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 820 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 918 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 816 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 856 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 816 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 805 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,575 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Volf Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Volf Reservoir was last stocked April 24, 1981 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Volf Reservoir?
Volf Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Volf Reservoir stocked?
Volf Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Volf Reservoir stocked?
Volf Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1968 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in Volf Reservoir?
About 12,293 fish have been stocked in Volf Reservoir across 14 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Volf Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Volf Reservoir average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Volf 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 Volf Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Volf 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.