Blanchard Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blanchard Lake was last stocked August 8, 2024 with Largemouth Bass. Blanchard Lake has 27 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–2024, with about 729,562 fish stocked over that period.
When Blanchard Lake is stocked
Blanchard Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Blanchard 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 Blanchard 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 Blanchard Lake was last stocked August 8, 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 Blanchard 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Blanchard 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Blanchard Lake, freshest activity first.
Beaver Lake
4 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pine Grove Pond
6 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mountain Mall Pond
4 mi1 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2022
Gooderich Bayou
7 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2013
Spencer Lake
6 mi7 species · 52 records
Last stocked July 2012
Montana Veterans Home Pond
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2000
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 16,255 | 1.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 13,747 | 1.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 5,900 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 19 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 14,000 | 1.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 9,500 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 9,260 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2005 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1964 | Kokanee | 114,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1963 | Kokanee | 105,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1962 | Kokanee | 105,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1961 | Coho Salmon | 96,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1937 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1933 | Bullhead | 9,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 32,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Blanchard Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blanchard Lake was last stocked August 8, 2024 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Blanchard Lake?
Blanchard Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Kokanee, Coho Salmon, Bullhead, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Blanchard Lake stocked?
Blanchard Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Blanchard Lake stocked?
Blanchard Lake is stocked intermittently — 27 recorded stockings between 1933 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Blanchard Lake?
About 729,562 fish have been stocked in Blanchard Lake across 27 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Blanchard Lake?
Fish stocked in Blanchard Lake average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Blanchard 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 Blanchard Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Blanchard 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.