East Bass Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1968 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Bass Lake was last stocked May 9, 1968 with Rainbow Trout. East Bass Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1968, with about 14,583 fish stocked over that period.
When East Bass Lake is stocked
East Bass Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for East Bass 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 East Bass 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 East Bass Lake was last stocked May 9, 1968, 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 East Bass 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 East Bass 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 East Bass Lake, freshest activity first.
Round Lake
2 mi4 species · 59 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swimming Lake
1 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 1972
Plummer Lake
1 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 1971
Sawdust Lake
0 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 1970
Harbin Lake
1 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1968
Double Lake
0 mi3 species · 21 records
Last stocked April 1966
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 385 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 359 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 363 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 360 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 362 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 704 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,408 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,054 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 299 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 1,036 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 1,056 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was East Bass Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Bass Lake was last stocked May 9, 1968 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in East Bass Lake?
East Bass Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is East Bass Lake stocked?
East Bass Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is East Bass Lake stocked?
East Bass Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1968.
How many fish have been stocked in East Bass Lake?
About 14,583 fish have been stocked in East Bass Lake across 17 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in East Bass Lake?
Fish stocked in East Bass Lake average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish East Bass 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 East Bass Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in East Bass 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.