Blacktail Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Lake was last stocked July 29, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Blacktail Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–2024, with about 11,935 fish stocked over that period.
When Blacktail Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Blacktail 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 Blacktail 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 Blacktail Lake was last stocked July 29, 2024, 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 Blacktail 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 Blacktail 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 Blacktail Lake, freshest activity first.
Pine Creek Lake
4 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked August 2023
Great Falls Creek Lake, Lower
10 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked June 2020
Weasel Lake #51
10 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2019
Lake Mcknight
3 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2005
Great Falls Creek Lake, Upper
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1995
Fleshman Creek
10 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 630 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 630 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 525 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 525 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 525 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 525 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 575 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Blacktail Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Lake was last stocked July 29, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Blacktail Lake?
Blacktail Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Blacktail Lake stocked?
Blacktail Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1945 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Blacktail Lake?
About 11,935 fish have been stocked in Blacktail Lake across 9 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Blacktail Lake?
Fish stocked in Blacktail Lake average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Blacktail 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 Blacktail Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Blacktail 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.