Boxelder Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boxelder Lake was last stocked June 30, 2025 with Walleye. Boxelder Lake has 115 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2025, with about 3,045,614 fish stocked over that period.
When Boxelder Lake is stocked
Boxelder Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 47 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Boxelder 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 Boxelder 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 Boxelder Lake was last stocked June 30, 2025, 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 Boxelder 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.
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.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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 Boxelder 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Boxelder Lake, freshest activity first.
Raymond Dam
7 mi8 species · 57 records
Last stocked August 2025
Christensen Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 70 records
Last stocked June 2025
Carlson Pond
8 mi1 species · 53 records
Last stocked June 2025
Holtan Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 36 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wagner Reservoir
4 mi4 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 2020
Lund Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | Walleye | 1,440 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2025 | Walleye | 3,978 | 1.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,379 | 2.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2024 | Yellow Perch | 20,000 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2024 | Walleye | 5,600 | 1.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 2023 | Walleye | 5,031 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5,231 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2022 | Yellow Perch | 20,000 | 0.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2022 | Walleye | 5,115 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 5,038 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,507 | 7.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 10,173 | 3.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2021 | Walleye | 250,000 | 0.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Walleye | 300,000 | 0.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,271 | 3.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2018 | Northern Pike | 5,003 | 3.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Northern Pike | 20,000 | 0.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Northern Pike | 8,288 | 2.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 7.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Northern Pike | 20,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Walleye | 250,000 | 0.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 4,917 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 10,034 | 2.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Walleye | 250,000 | 0.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 5,085 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2014 | Northern Pike | 5,332 | 2.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2014 | Northern Pike | 20,000 | 0.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | 5.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2014 | Walleye | 25,000 | 0.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2011 | Walleye | 25,000 | 0.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2010 | Walleye | 25,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2009 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2008 | Walleye | 4,030 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2008 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2008 | Walleye | 33,332 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2008 | Yellow Perch | 2,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2007 | Walleye | 2,073 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2007 | Walleye | 2,864 | 3.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2006 | Walleye | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2006 | Walleye | 49,860 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2006 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2004 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2003 | Walleye | 10,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2003 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2002 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 115 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Boxelder Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Boxelder Lake was last stocked June 30, 2025 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Boxelder Lake?
Boxelder Lake is stocked with Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie.
What time of year is Boxelder Lake stocked?
Boxelder Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Boxelder Lake stocked?
Boxelder Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 115 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Boxelder Lake?
About 3,045,614 fish have been stocked in Boxelder Lake across 115 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Boxelder Lake?
Fish stocked in Boxelder Lake average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Boxelder 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 Boxelder Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Boxelder 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.