Whiteface Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Whiteface Reservoir was last stocked August 19, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Whiteface Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–2025, with about 8,018 fish stocked over that period.
When Whiteface Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Whiteface 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 Whiteface 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 Whiteface Reservoir was last stocked August 19, 2025, 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 Whiteface 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Whiteface 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 Whiteface Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Taint Reservoir
2 mi3 species · 47 records
Last stocked September 2025
Paleface Reservoir
2 mi4 species · 18 records
Last stocked September 2025
Sagebrush Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 51 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lark Reservoir
5 mi3 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2025
Spanky Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2025
Sentinel Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 58 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 19, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,508 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 1970 | Largemouth Bass | 90 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Whiteface Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Whiteface Reservoir was last stocked August 19, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Whiteface Reservoir?
Whiteface Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Whiteface Reservoir stocked?
Whiteface Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1970 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Whiteface Reservoir?
About 8,018 fish have been stocked in Whiteface Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Whiteface Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Whiteface Reservoir average about 3.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Whiteface 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 Whiteface Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Whiteface 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.