Clayton Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1926–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clayton Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Clayton Lake has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1926–2024, with about 217,935 fish stocked over that period.
When Clayton Lake is stocked
Clayton Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton Lake was last stocked August 4, 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 Clayton 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.
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 Clayton 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 Clayton Lake, freshest activity first.
Birch Lake
4 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2024
Squaw Lake
5 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
North Jewel Lake
2 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2023
Blackfoot Lake
2 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2022
Wildcat Lake
3 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lower Seven Acres Lake
3 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2010
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,133 | 1.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,481 | 1.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 386 | 1.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 6.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,039 | 1.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,032 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,018 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,950 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,004 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,170 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,830 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,752 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1928 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1927 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1926 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Clayton Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Clayton Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Clayton Lake?
Clayton Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Clayton Lake stocked?
Clayton Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Clayton Lake stocked?
Clayton Lake is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1926 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Clayton Lake?
About 217,935 fish have been stocked in Clayton Lake across 29 recorded events since 1926, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Clayton Lake?
Fish stocked in Clayton Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Clayton 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 Clayton Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Clayton 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.