Big Hawk Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Hawk Lake was last stocked July 15, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Big Hawk Lake has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–2023, with about 68,564 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Hawk Lake is stocked
Big Hawk Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Hawk 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 Big Hawk 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 Big Hawk Lake was last stocked July 15, 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 Big Hawk 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.
Recommended Tackle for Big Hawk 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 Big Hawk Lake, freshest activity first.
Handkerchief Lake
3 mi2 species · 59 records
Last stocked September 2024
Tom Tom Lake
2 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
Squaw Lake
3 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Birch Lake
4 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Big Hawk Lake
1 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Upper Three Eagles Lake
1 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,995 | 1.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 246 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 932 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 172 | 1.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 9, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,087 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,950 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,032 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Big Hawk Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Hawk Lake was last stocked July 15, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Hawk Lake?
Big Hawk Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Big Hawk Lake stocked?
Big Hawk Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Big Hawk Lake stocked?
Big Hawk Lake is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1941 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Hawk Lake?
About 68,564 fish have been stocked in Big Hawk Lake across 22 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Hawk Lake?
Fish stocked in Big Hawk Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Hawk 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 Big Hawk Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Hawk 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.