Ball Noah Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ball Noah Lake was last stocked August 14, 1967 with Rainbow Trout. Ball Noah Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–1967, with about 19,471 fish stocked over that period.
When Ball Noah Lake is stocked
Ball Noah Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ball Noah 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 Ball Noah 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 Ball Noah Lake was last stocked August 14, 1967, 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 Ball Noah 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.
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 Ball Noah 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.
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 Ball Noah Lake, freshest activity first.
Blacktail Lake
11 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2024
Great Falls Creek Lake, Lower
9 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked June 2020
Weasel Lake #51
10 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2019
West Boulder River
9 mi3 species · 142 records
Last stocked April 2007
Great Falls Creek Lake, Upper
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1995
East Boulder River
7 mi3 species · 75 records
Last stocked April 1972
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 433 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 832 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 565 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 208 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,440 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,025 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 870 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ball Noah Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ball Noah Lake was last stocked August 14, 1967 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ball Noah Lake?
Ball Noah Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Ball Noah Lake stocked?
Ball Noah Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Ball Noah Lake stocked?
Ball Noah Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 35 recorded stockings between 1950 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Ball Noah Lake?
About 19,471 fish have been stocked in Ball Noah Lake across 35 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ball Noah Lake?
Fish stocked in Ball Noah Lake average about 8.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ball Noah 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 Ball Noah Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Ball Noah 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.