Yonkee Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1980–2006 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Yonkee Reservoir was last stocked May 25, 2006 with Rainbow Trout. Yonkee Reservoir has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2006, with about 10,057 fish stocked over that period.
When Yonkee Reservoir is stocked
Yonkee Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Yonkee 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 Yonkee 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 Yonkee Reservoir was last stocked May 25, 2006, 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 Yonkee 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Yonkee 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 Yonkee Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Mud Turtle Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2025
Blacks Sawmill Pond
14 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2025
Burnside Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1982
Red Rock Reservoir Number One
15 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1982
Poker Jim Reservoir
16 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Drop Tube Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1981 | Brook Trout | 203 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1980 | Brook Trout | 50 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1980 | Brook Trout | 1,054 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Yonkee Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Yonkee Reservoir was last stocked May 25, 2006 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Yonkee Reservoir?
Yonkee Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Yonkee Reservoir stocked?
Yonkee Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Yonkee Reservoir stocked?
Yonkee Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2006.
How many fish have been stocked in Yonkee Reservoir?
About 10,057 fish have been stocked in Yonkee Reservoir across 20 recorded events since 1980, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Yonkee Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Yonkee Reservoir average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Yonkee 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 Yonkee Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Yonkee 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.