Gross Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gross Lake was last stocked August 8, 1969 with Largemouth Bass. Gross Lake has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1969, with about 4,750 fish stocked over that period.
When Gross Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gross 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 Gross 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 Gross Lake was last stocked August 8, 1969, 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 Gross 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Gross 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 Gross Lake, freshest activity first.
Spring Canyon Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2025
Hansen Pond
8 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2020
McNabb Lake
13 mi4 species · 54 records
Last stocked April 2015
Horton Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1998
Four Deer Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1997
Cheesman Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1960 | Bluegill | 2,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1960 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1947 | Bluegill | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gross Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gross Lake was last stocked August 8, 1969 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Gross Lake?
Gross Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Bluegill.
How often is Gross Lake stocked?
Gross Lake is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Gross Lake?
About 4,750 fish have been stocked in Gross Lake across 6 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gross Lake?
Fish stocked in Gross Lake average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gross 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 Gross Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Gross 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.