Brush Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1945 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brush Lake was last stocked June 13, 1945 with Rainbow Trout. Brush Lake has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1945, with about 115,475 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Brush 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 Brush 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 Brush Lake was last stocked June 13, 1945, 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 Brush 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.
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Recommended Tackle for Brush 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Brush Lake, freshest activity first.
Boxelder Lake
24 mi5 species · 115 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wagner Reservoir
22 mi4 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 2020
Lund Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2007
Engstrom Pond
24 mi9 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2004
Marsh Reservoir
21 mi7 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2004
Christman Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 2003
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1931 | Sunfish | 75,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1931 | Sunfish | 575 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1931 | Yellow Perch | 900 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Brush Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brush Lake was last stocked June 13, 1945 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Brush Lake?
Brush Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.
How often is Brush Lake stocked?
Brush Lake is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1945.
How many fish have been stocked in Brush Lake?
About 115,475 fish have been stocked in Brush Lake across 5 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Brush Lake?
Fish stocked in Brush Lake average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Brush 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 Brush Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Brush 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.