Whitetail Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Whitetail Reservoir was last stocked May 21, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Whitetail Reservoir has 98 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–2025, with about 309,318 fish stocked over that period.
When Whitetail Reservoir is stocked
Whitetail Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 40 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Whitetail 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 Whitetail 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 Whitetail Reservoir was last stocked May 21, 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 Whitetail 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.
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.
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Whitetail 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.
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.
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 Whitetail Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Home Run Pond
12 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Paulo Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Shoot Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 42 records
Last stocked June 2025
Luther Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 2009
Fast Reservoir #2
13 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2007
Chapman Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,026 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,739 | 2.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5,392 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 3.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,007 | 7.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,337 | 3.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2014 | Northern Pike | 5,332 | 2.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 7.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 7.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2004 | Yellow Perch | 837 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Yellow Perch | 1,100 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Yellow Perch | 122 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Yellow Perch | 22 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Fathead Minnow | 791 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1998 | Walleye | 500 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Black Crappie | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Black Crappie | 300 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1995 | Walleye | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 521 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 538 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 514 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 98 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Whitetail Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Whitetail Reservoir was last stocked May 21, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Whitetail Reservoir?
Whitetail Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Fathead Minnow, Walleye, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Whitetail Reservoir stocked?
Whitetail Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Whitetail Reservoir stocked?
Whitetail Reservoir has been stocked about 1 times a year — 98 recorded stockings between 1946 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Whitetail Reservoir?
About 309,318 fish have been stocked in Whitetail Reservoir across 98 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Whitetail Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Whitetail Reservoir average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Whitetail 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 Whitetail Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Whitetail 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.