Davis Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Davis Lake was last stocked July 25, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Davis Lake has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2022, with about 15,022 fish stocked over that period.
When Davis Lake is stocked
Davis Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Davis 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 Davis 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 Davis Lake was last stocked July 25, 2022, 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 Davis 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.
Recommended Tackle for Davis 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 Davis Lake, freshest activity first.
Bootjack Lake
6 mi4 species · 145 records
Last stocked June 2026
Loon Lake
6 mi7 species · 182 records
Last stocked May 2026
Smith Lake
12 mi6 species · 68 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sylvia Lake
6 mi3 species · 66 records
Last stocked August 2025
Sheldon's Pond
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2002
Robertson Creek
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2000
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 495 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 519 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 516 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 593 | 1.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 528 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 984 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,016 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,012 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 510 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,330 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Davis Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Davis Lake was last stocked July 25, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Davis Lake?
Davis Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Davis Lake stocked?
Davis Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Davis Lake stocked?
Davis Lake is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Davis Lake?
About 15,022 fish have been stocked in Davis Lake across 16 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Davis Lake?
Fish stocked in Davis Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Davis 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 Davis Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Davis 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.