Cliff Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cliff Lake was last stocked June 25, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Cliff Lake has 153 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2025, with about 1,062,059 fish stocked over that period.
When Cliff Lake is stocked
Cliff Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cliff 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 Cliff 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 Cliff Lake was last stocked June 25, 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 Cliff 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Cliff 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.
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 Cliff Lake, freshest activity first.
AMC Settling Pond #3
4 mi3 species · 90 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Gravel Pit
5 mi2 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Kids Pond
5 mi3 species · 129 records
Last stocked May 2026
Philman Pond
5 mi2 species · 45 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond 3
5 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond #4
5 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 986 | 1.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,065 | 3.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 3.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,119 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,009 | 4.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,036 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 3.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Golden Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,141 | 3.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,018 | 1.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 4.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,243 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,250 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,176 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1997 | Arctic Grayling | 3,095 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1995 | Arctic Grayling | 3,290 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1992 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1991 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,087 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,633 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 902 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,010 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1987 | Arctic Grayling | 2,000 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 153 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cliff Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cliff Lake was last stocked June 25, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cliff Lake?
Cliff Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Cliff Lake stocked?
Cliff Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Cliff Lake stocked?
Cliff Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 153 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Cliff Lake?
About 1,062,059 fish have been stocked in Cliff Lake across 153 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cliff Lake?
Fish stocked in Cliff Lake average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cliff 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 Cliff Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cliff 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.