Wilgosh Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1984–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wilgosh Reservoir was last stocked July 29, 2014 with Largemouth Bass. Wilgosh Reservoir has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1984–2014, with about 9,300 fish stocked over that period.
When Wilgosh Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wilgosh 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 Wilgosh 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 Wilgosh Reservoir was last stocked July 29, 2014, 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 Wilgosh Reservoir:
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.
White Crappie Profile Tips
Taken the same way as black crappie — small jigs and minnows fished around brush, docks, and other structure.
Recommended Tackle for Wilgosh Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Wilgosh Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kountz Pond
22 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2025
Johnson Reservoir
21 mi9 species · 56 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lindsay Reservoir
8 mi8 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2014
Fox Creek
19 mi7 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1989
Quick Reservoir
14 mi5 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 1982
Kubesh Reservoir
14 mi3 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 1972
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1993 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1986 | Crappie | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1984 | White Crappie | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1984 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Wilgosh Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wilgosh Reservoir was last stocked July 29, 2014 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Wilgosh Reservoir?
Wilgosh Reservoir is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and White Crappie.
How often is Wilgosh Reservoir stocked?
Wilgosh Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1984 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Wilgosh Reservoir?
About 9,300 fish have been stocked in Wilgosh Reservoir across 8 recorded events since 1984, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Wilgosh Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Wilgosh Reservoir average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wilgosh 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.