Hackney Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hackney Lake was last stocked October 9, 1982 with Brown Trout. Hackney Lake has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–1982, with about 100 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hackney 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 Hackney 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 Hackney Lake was last stocked October 9, 1982, 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 Hackney 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Hackney 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 Hackney Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Como
9 mi5 species · 384 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lower Twin Lake
7 mi3 species · 100 records
Last stocked September 2025
Twelvemile Lake
6 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2023
Boulder Lake
7 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2000
Lake Capitan
5 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1990
Tenmile Lake
6 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 1982 | Brown Trout | 50 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hackney Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hackney Lake was last stocked October 9, 1982 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hackney Lake?
Hackney Lake is stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Hackney Lake stocked?
Hackney Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 2 recorded stockings between 1982 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Hackney Lake?
About 100 fish have been stocked in Hackney Lake across 2 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hackney Lake?
Fish stocked in Hackney Lake average about 10.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hackney 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 Hackney Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Hackney 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.