Zemple Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Zemple Reservoir was last stocked April 22, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Zemple Reservoir has 21 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–1994, with about 474,942 fish stocked over that period.
When Zemple Reservoir is stocked
Zemple Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Zemple 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 Zemple 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 Zemple Reservoir was last stocked April 22, 1994, 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 Zemple 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Zemple 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Zemple Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Big Timber Trout Pond
15 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2021
Fjelstad Pond
17 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2017
McDaniel Pond
15 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 2004
Mysse Reservoir 1
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Mysse Reservoir 2
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Lambing Camp Pond
16 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 13 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 7,952 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1977 | Walleye | 250,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1973 | Walleye | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1951 | Walleye | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1951 | Northern Pike | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 26, 1948 | Largemouth Bass | 1,540 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1938 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1938 | Bullhead | 5,250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Zemple Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Zemple Reservoir was last stocked April 22, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Zemple Reservoir?
Zemple Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Zemple Reservoir stocked?
Zemple Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Zemple Reservoir stocked?
Zemple Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 21 recorded stockings between 1938 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Zemple Reservoir?
About 474,942 fish have been stocked in Zemple Reservoir across 21 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Zemple Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Zemple Reservoir average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Zemple 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 Zemple Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Zemple 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.