Eightmile Springs Fish Stocking
Montana · 1929–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eightmile Springs was last stocked May 13, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Eightmile Springs has 72 stocking records on file, spanning 1929–2026, with about 145,713 fish stocked over that period.
When Eightmile Springs is stocked
Eightmile Springs is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Eightmile Springs
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 Eightmile Springs, 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 Eightmile Springs was last stocked May 13, 2026, 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 Eightmile Springs:
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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Eightmile Springs
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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Eightmile Springs, freshest activity first.
Leningtons Reservoir
14 mi5 species · 62 records
Last stocked October 2025
Marias River
18 mi8 species · 247 records
Last stocked September 2023
Onstadt Res
18 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1997
Belt Creek
18 mi4 species · 339 records
Last stocked August 1996
Shaw Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 1994
Boyle Coulee
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 22, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 0.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 2,086 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 3.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,563 | 7.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2011 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1999 | Channel Catfish | 1,150 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1998 | Channel Catfish | 1,300 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,044 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,996 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,035 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,014 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 72 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Eightmile Springs last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Eightmile Springs was last stocked May 13, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Eightmile Springs?
Eightmile Springs is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Sunfish, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Eightmile Springs stocked?
Eightmile Springs is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Eightmile Springs stocked?
Eightmile Springs is stocked intermittently — 72 recorded stockings between 1929 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Eightmile Springs?
About 145,713 fish have been stocked in Eightmile Springs across 72 recorded events since 1929, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Eightmile Springs?
Fish stocked in Eightmile Springs average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Eightmile Springs?
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 Eightmile Springs?
Freshly stocked trout in Eightmile Springs 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.