Gallery Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1980–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gallery Lake was last stocked September 24, 2022 with Arctic Grayling. Gallery Lake has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2022, with about 4,601 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gallery 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 Gallery 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 Gallery Lake was last stocked September 24, 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 Gallery 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Gallery 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 Gallery Lake, freshest activity first.
Basin Lake
2 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked October 2025
Desolation Lake
2 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked October 2025
Lake Of The Winds
0 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Rock Tree Lake
1 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2024
Nymph Lake
1 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2022
Lake Of The Clouds
1 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 2.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,113 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,480 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,608 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gallery Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gallery Lake was last stocked September 24, 2022 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Gallery Lake?
Gallery Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Gallery Lake stocked?
Gallery Lake is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Gallery Lake?
About 4,601 fish have been stocked in Gallery Lake across 4 recorded events since 1980, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gallery Lake?
Fish stocked in Gallery Lake average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gallery 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 Gallery Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Gallery 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.