Black Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Black Lake was last stocked July 20, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Black Lake has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2022, with about 311,562 fish stocked over that period.
When Black Lake is stocked
Black Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Black 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 Black 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 Black Lake was last stocked July 20, 2022, 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 Black 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 Black 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 Black Lake, freshest activity first.
Snappys Pond
3 mi4 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shady Lane Pond
1 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pine Grove Pond
4 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rock Lake
3 mi3 species · 71 records
Last stocked September 2023
Gooderich Bayou
3 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2013
Woodland Park Fish Tank
4 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2004
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,004 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,250 | 1.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 303 | 5.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 335 | 5.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2011 | Arctic Grayling | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2010 | Arctic Grayling | 10,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,304 | 5.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 333 | 7.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,409 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,964 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,100 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,292 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,920 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,980 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,146 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,004 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,098 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 2,760 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,267 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 19,856 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,856 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 11,960 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Black Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Black Lake was last stocked July 20, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Black Lake?
Black Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Black Lake stocked?
Black Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Black Lake stocked?
Black Lake is stocked intermittently — 39 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Black Lake?
About 311,562 fish have been stocked in Black Lake across 39 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Black Lake?
Fish stocked in Black Lake average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Black 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 Black Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Black 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.