Basham Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1952–1968 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Basham Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968 with Rainbow Trout. Basham Lake has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1952–1968, with about 24,772 fish stocked over that period.
When Basham Lake is stocked
Basham Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Basham 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 Basham 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 Basham Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968, 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 Basham 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 Basham 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 Basham Lake, freshest activity first.
Mcgilvray Lake
1 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2006
Elliot Creek
2 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 1997
East Bass Lake
4 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 1968
Spill Lake
1 mi4 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 1968
Grayling Lake Number One
1 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 1966
Pratt Lake
3 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked April 1966
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 535 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,034 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 15,660 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Basham Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Basham Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Basham Lake?
Basham Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Basham Lake stocked?
Basham Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Basham Lake stocked?
Basham Lake is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1952 and 1968.
How many fish have been stocked in Basham Lake?
About 24,772 fish have been stocked in Basham Lake across 13 recorded events since 1952, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Basham Lake?
Fish stocked in Basham Lake average about 5.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Basham 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 Basham Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Basham 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.