Vr-80 Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–1940 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vr-80 Reservoir was last stocked September 9, 1940 with Bullhead. Vr-80 Reservoir has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–1940, with about 300 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Vr-80 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-80 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-80 Reservoir was last stocked September 9, 1940, 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-80 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Vr-80 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-80 Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Atlas Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
Nelson Reservoir
6 mi11 species · 209 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hose Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2025
Forsman Reservoir
13 mi5 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2007
McNab Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2006
Bear Track Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 1940 | Bullhead | 50 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1940 | Bluegill | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1940 | Bass | 150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Vr-80 Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vr-80 Reservoir was last stocked September 9, 1940 with Bullhead.
What fish species are stocked in Vr-80 Reservoir?
Vr-80 Reservoir is stocked with Bullhead, Bluegill, and Bass.
How often is Vr-80 Reservoir stocked?
Vr-80 Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 1940 and 1940.
How many fish have been stocked in Vr-80 Reservoir?
About 300 fish have been stocked in Vr-80 Reservoir across 3 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Vr-80 Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Vr-80 Reservoir average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Vr-80 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.