Williams Reservoir 3 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1987–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Williams Reservoir 3 was last stocked May 17, 1988 with Rainbow Trout. Williams Reservoir 3 has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1987–1988, with about 2,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Williams Reservoir 3
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 Williams Reservoir 3, 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 Williams Reservoir 3 was last stocked May 17, 1988, 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 Williams Reservoir 3:
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.
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 Williams Reservoir 3
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Williams Reservoir 3, freshest activity first.
Craft Pond 2
10 mi3 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Talcott Pond
14 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Craft Pond 1
11 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2019
Gardiner Reservoir
17 mi3 species · 51 records
Last stocked April 2019
Williams Pond 2
1 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 1997
Williams Pond 1
1 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Williams Reservoir 3 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Williams Reservoir 3 was last stocked May 17, 1988 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Williams Reservoir 3?
Williams Reservoir 3 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Williams Reservoir 3 stocked?
Williams Reservoir 3 has been stocked about 2 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 1987 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Williams Reservoir 3?
About 2,000 fish have been stocked in Williams Reservoir 3 across 3 recorded events since 1987, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Williams Reservoir 3?
Fish stocked in Williams Reservoir 3 average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Williams Reservoir 3?
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 Williams Reservoir 3?
Freshly stocked trout in Williams Reservoir 3 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.