Woodchuck Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1997–2004 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Woodchuck Reservoir was last stocked January 28, 2004 with Cutthroat Trout. Woodchuck Reservoir has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2004, with about 1,255 fish stocked over that period.
When Woodchuck Reservoir is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Woodchuck 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 Woodchuck 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 Woodchuck Reservoir was last stocked January 28, 2004, 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 Woodchuck 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Woodchuck 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Woodchuck Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Carlton Lake
12 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Boulder Creek
12 mi2 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 2012
Canyon Lake
10 mi3 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 1990
Lolo Creek
7 mi2 species · 111 records
Last stocked July 1979
Fish Creek
6 mi4 species · 188 records
Last stocked July 1973
Burnt Fork Bitterroot River
10 mi4 species · 73 records
Last stocked August 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 105 | 10.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 13.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 13.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Woodchuck Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Woodchuck Reservoir was last stocked January 28, 2004 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Woodchuck Reservoir?
Woodchuck Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Woodchuck Reservoir stocked?
Woodchuck Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2004.
How many fish have been stocked in Woodchuck Reservoir?
About 1,255 fish have been stocked in Woodchuck Reservoir across 9 recorded events since 1997, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Woodchuck Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Woodchuck Reservoir average about 8.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Woodchuck 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 Woodchuck Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Woodchuck 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.