Halfmoon Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Halfmoon Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout. Halfmoon Lake has 69 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2026, with about 478,921 fish stocked over that period.
When Halfmoon Lake is stocked
Halfmoon Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 27 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Halfmoon 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 Halfmoon 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 Halfmoon Lake was last stocked May 8, 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 Halfmoon 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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 Halfmoon 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.
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 Halfmoon Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Five
1 mi8 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rivers Edge Pond
10 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2025
Spoon Lake
6 mi4 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2017
Pyramid Creek
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2009
Taylor Spring Creek
10 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2000
Deerlick Creek
7 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked March 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2026 | Brook Trout | 4,435 | 3.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2025 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2022 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 2.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Brook Trout | 3,600 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Brook Trout | 3,950 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2019 | Brook Trout | 3,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2018 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2017 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2016 | Brook Trout | 5,500 | 1.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2015 | Brook Trout | 5,005 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 5,500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 5,500 | 1.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 5,500 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 2,275 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 3,465 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 5,500 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1995 | Arctic Grayling | 23,070 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1993 | Brook Trout | 10,580 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1986 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1982 | Brook Trout | 14,976 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 4,900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 70 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1975 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1974 | Largemouth Bass | 16 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,014 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,006 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,267 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,267 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,093 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,120 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 760 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,310 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,040 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1966 | Arctic Grayling | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1965 | Arctic Grayling | 777 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1965 | Arctic Grayling | 401 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1964 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1964 | Arctic Grayling | 658 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1964 | Arctic Grayling | 768 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,322 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,922 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,862 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,226 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1962 | Arctic Grayling | 1,544 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,384 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,960 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1961 | Arctic Grayling | 150 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 69 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Halfmoon Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Halfmoon Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Halfmoon Lake?
Halfmoon Lake is stocked with Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Halfmoon Lake stocked?
Halfmoon Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Halfmoon Lake stocked?
Halfmoon Lake is stocked intermittently — 69 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Halfmoon Lake?
About 478,921 fish have been stocked in Halfmoon Lake across 69 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Halfmoon Lake?
Fish stocked in Halfmoon Lake average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Halfmoon 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 Halfmoon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Halfmoon 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.