Vr 071 Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–1937 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vr 071 Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 1937 with Bullhead. Vr 071 Reservoir has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–1937, with about 250 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Vr 071 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 Vr 071 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 Vr 071 Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 1937, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Vr 071 Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Vr 071 Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Trout Pond
16 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2025
Home Run Pond
10 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Glasgow Base Pond
13 mi7 species · 114 records
Last stocked September 2025
Shoot Reservoir
17 mi3 species · 42 records
Last stocked June 2025
VR 009 Reservoir
13 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked May 2025
Whitetail Reservoir
18 mi9 species · 98 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 1937 | Bullhead | 50 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1937 | Bass | 200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Vr 071 Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vr 071 Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 1937 with Bullhead.
What fish species are stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir?
Vr 071 Reservoir is stocked with Bullhead and Bass.
How often is Vr 071 Reservoir stocked?
Vr 071 Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 2 recorded stockings between 1937 and 1937.
How many fish have been stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir?
About 250 fish have been stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir across 2 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Vr 071 Reservoir average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Vr 071 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.