Handkerchief Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Handkerchief Lake was last stocked September 20, 2024 with Arctic Grayling. Handkerchief Lake has 59 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–2024, with about 1,019,932 fish stocked over that period.
When Handkerchief Lake is stocked
Handkerchief Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 23 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Handkerchief 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 Handkerchief 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 Handkerchief Lake was last stocked September 20, 2024, 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 Handkerchief 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Handkerchief 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.
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 Handkerchief Lake, freshest activity first.
Squaw Lake
4 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Birch Lake
4 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2024
Clayton Lake
5 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 2024
Big Hawk Lake
3 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked July 2023
Upper Big Hawk Lake
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lower Three Eagles Lake
2 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2024 | Arctic Grayling | 3,800 | 1.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2024 | Arctic Grayling | 50,000 | 0.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2024 | Arctic Grayling | 24,000 | 0.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 560 | 2.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 6,245 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 6,417 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | 1.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 1,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2020 | Arctic Grayling | 2,400 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2020 | Arctic Grayling | 96 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 228 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 152 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 1,530 | 1.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 1,020 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,468 | 1.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 644 | 1.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,888 | 1.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 3,222 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 2,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,907 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,093 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 614 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,409 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 11,200 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 11,500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,035 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,032 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,160 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1998 | Arctic Grayling | 10,900 | 0.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,018 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1995 | Arctic Grayling | 10,980 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 9,980 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1994 | Arctic Grayling | 9,980 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1992 | Arctic Grayling | 10,000 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1991 | Arctic Grayling | 10,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,087 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,990 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1984 | Arctic Grayling | 40,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1966 | Arctic Grayling | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1965 | Arctic Grayling | 80,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1964 | Arctic Grayling | 200,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1963 | Arctic Grayling | 80,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 59 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Handkerchief Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Handkerchief Lake was last stocked September 20, 2024 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Handkerchief Lake?
Handkerchief Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Handkerchief Lake stocked?
Handkerchief Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Handkerchief Lake stocked?
Handkerchief Lake is stocked intermittently — 59 recorded stockings between 1936 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Handkerchief Lake?
About 1,019,932 fish have been stocked in Handkerchief Lake across 59 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Handkerchief Lake?
Fish stocked in Handkerchief Lake average about 1.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Handkerchief 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 Handkerchief Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Handkerchief 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.