Yellow Water Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1951–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Yellow Water Reservoir was last stocked May 22, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Yellow Water Reservoir has 118 stocking records on file, spanning 1951–2026, with about 2,073,726 fish stocked over that period.
When Yellow Water Reservoir is stocked
Yellow Water Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 46 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Yellow Water 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 Yellow Water 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 Yellow Water Reservoir was last stocked May 22, 2026, 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 Yellow Water 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.
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Yellow Water 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 Yellow Water Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Payola Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2025
Petrolia Reservoir
12 mi8 species · 74 records
Last stocked June 2025
Haynie Pond
11 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Box Elder Creek Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2025
War Horse Lake
15 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2020
Colony Pond
13 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2015
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,040 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,283 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 4.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,023 | 4.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 6,809 | 7.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 4.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 5.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 769 | 11.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 1,500 | 3.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 15,027 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,187 | 2.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 4.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,029 | 8.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,018 | 7.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 9,995 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,629 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,146 | 7.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,410 | 7.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,640 | 7.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 9,543 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 4.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 19,425 | 4.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 5,548 | 4.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 29,968 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | 8.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 357 | 4.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 9,667 | 4.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 9,972 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | 7.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,378 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 7.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 13,023 | 3.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 6.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 5.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 7,560 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,550 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 12,048 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 118 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Yellow Water Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Yellow Water Reservoir was last stocked May 22, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Yellow Water Reservoir?
Yellow Water Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Northern Pike.
What time of year is Yellow Water Reservoir stocked?
Yellow Water Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Yellow Water Reservoir stocked?
Yellow Water Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 118 recorded stockings between 1951 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Yellow Water Reservoir?
About 2,073,726 fish have been stocked in Yellow Water Reservoir across 118 recorded events since 1951, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Yellow Water Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Yellow Water Reservoir average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Yellow Water 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 Yellow Water Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Yellow Water 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.