Jay Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1977–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jay Lake was last stocked June 14, 1988 with Largemouth Bass. Jay Lake has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1977–1988, with about 7,300 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jay 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 Jay 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 Jay Lake was last stocked June 14, 1988, 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 Jay 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.
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 Jay 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 Jay Lake, freshest activity first.
Glacier Lake
3 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked August 2025
Rainbow Lake 6
3 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake 5
3 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake #2
4 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake #3
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Dryad Lake
3 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Jay Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jay Lake was last stocked June 14, 1988 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Jay Lake?
Jay Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Jay Lake stocked?
Jay Lake is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1977 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Jay Lake?
About 7,300 fish have been stocked in Jay Lake across 2 recorded events since 1977, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jay Lake?
Fish stocked in Jay Lake average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jay 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 Jay Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Jay 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.