Wagner Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1963–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wagner Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2020 with Rainbow Trout. Wagner Reservoir has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1963–2020, with about 39,807 fish stocked over that period.
When Wagner Reservoir is stocked
Wagner Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wagner 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 Wagner 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 Wagner Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2020, 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 Wagner 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.
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.
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 Wagner 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.
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 Wagner Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Raymond Dam
7 mi8 species · 57 records
Last stocked August 2025
Boxelder Lake
4 mi5 species · 115 records
Last stocked June 2025
Christensen Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 70 records
Last stocked June 2025
Carlson Pond
6 mi1 species · 53 records
Last stocked June 2025
Holtan Reservoir
15 mi3 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2025
Lund Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 3.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 3.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 703 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,009 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,072 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,070 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 990 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1967 | Crappie | 30 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1963 | Brook Trout | 2,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Wagner Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wagner Reservoir was last stocked June 1, 2020 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wagner Reservoir?
Wagner Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Wagner Reservoir stocked?
Wagner Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Wagner Reservoir stocked?
Wagner Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 45 recorded stockings between 1963 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Wagner Reservoir?
About 39,807 fish have been stocked in Wagner Reservoir across 45 recorded events since 1963, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Wagner Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Wagner Reservoir average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wagner 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 Wagner Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Wagner 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.