Conleys Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Conleys Lake was last stocked July 19, 1990 with Rainbow Trout. Conleys Lake has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1990, with about 303,773 fish stocked over that period.
When Conleys Lake is stocked
Conleys Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Conleys 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 Conleys 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 Conleys Lake was last stocked July 19, 1990, 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 Conleys 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Conleys 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 Conleys Lake, freshest activity first.
Chilcott Pond
6 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 2018
Bohn Lake
7 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1990
Powell Lake
3 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1990
Upper Taylor Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1990
Rock Creek Lake
5 mi4 species · 39 records
Last stocked July 1988
Ryan Lake
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 451 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 2,070 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 2,006 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,059 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,090 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,614 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1938 | Brook Trout | 12,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1938 | Brook Trout | 12,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1937 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1934 | Brook Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1933 | Brook Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1932 | Brook Trout | 21,840 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1931 | Brook Trout | 25,022 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1931 | Brook Trout | 50,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1931 | Brook Trout | 50,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1928 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1928 | Brook Trout | 25,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Conleys Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Conleys Lake was last stocked July 19, 1990 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Conleys Lake?
Conleys Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Conleys Lake stocked?
Conleys Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Conleys Lake stocked?
Conleys Lake is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Conleys Lake?
About 303,773 fish have been stocked in Conleys Lake across 23 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Conleys Lake?
Fish stocked in Conleys Lake average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Conleys 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 Conleys Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Conleys 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.