Cattail Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 2009–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cattail Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Cattail Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 2009–2026, with about 11,282 fish stocked over that period.
When Cattail Lake is stocked
Cattail Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cattail 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 Cattail 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 Cattail Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026, 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 Cattail 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.
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 Cattail 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 Cattail Lake, freshest activity first.
Regional Parks Ponds
2 mi1 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 2026
Valley West Pond
3 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bozeman Pond
3 mi5 species · 389 records
Last stocked September 2025
The Lakes Subdivision
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hyalite Creek
6 mi3 species · 109 records
Last stocked July 1980
Davis Ponds
1 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 6.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 10.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 355 | 8.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 379 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 848 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cattail Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cattail Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cattail Lake?
Cattail Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Cattail Lake stocked?
Cattail Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Cattail Lake stocked?
Cattail Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 2009 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Cattail Lake?
About 11,282 fish have been stocked in Cattail Lake across 17 recorded events since 2009, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cattail Lake?
Fish stocked in Cattail Lake average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cattail 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 Cattail Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cattail 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.