Bailey Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bailey Lake was last stocked July 27, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Bailey Lake has 57 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2023, with about 139,991 fish stocked over that period.
When Bailey Lake is stocked
Bailey Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bailey Lake
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 Bailey Lake, 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 Bailey Lake was last stocked July 27, 2023, 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 Bailey Lake:
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.
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 Bailey Lake
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 Bailey Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Mary Ronan
11 mi8 species · 685 records
Last stocked June 2026
Horseshoe Lake
7 mi10 species · 69 records
Last stocked April 2024
Pablo Reservoir
13 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2008
Turtle Lake
13 mi4 species · 47 records
Last stocked May 2008
Ronan Creek
7 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2002
Flathead Lake
9 mi14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,905 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,027 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,022 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,017 | 3.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,424 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,199 | 3.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,663 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,029 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,075 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,464 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,380 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,596 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 101 | 14.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,201 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,006 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,827 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,971 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,001 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,999 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,992 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,999 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,997 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,944 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 761 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,007 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,008 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,003 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 924 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,013 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 57 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bailey Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bailey Lake was last stocked July 27, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bailey Lake?
Bailey Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bailey Lake stocked?
Bailey Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Bailey Lake stocked?
Bailey Lake is stocked intermittently — 57 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Bailey Lake?
About 139,991 fish have been stocked in Bailey Lake across 57 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bailey Lake?
Fish stocked in Bailey Lake average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bailey Lake?
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 Bailey Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bailey Lake 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.