Kipp Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kipp Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Brown Trout. Kipp Lake has 82 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2026, with about 1,005,012 fish stocked over that period.
When Kipp Lake is stocked
Kipp Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kipp 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 Kipp 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 Kipp Lake was last stocked May 12, 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 Kipp 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 Kipp 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 Kipp Lake, freshest activity first.
Mission Lake
10 mi6 species · 179 records
Last stocked May 2026
Four Horns Lake
16 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Mitten Lake
19 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Cemetary Lake
8 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2008
Magee Lake
8 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Badger Creek
13 mi3 species · 127 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 | Brown Trout | 12,892 | 3.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Brown Trout | 11,818 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Brown Trout | 11,435 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2023 | Brown Trout | 13,860 | 3.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Brown Trout | 11,115 | 4.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2020 | Brown Trout | 9,960 | 4.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2018 | Brown Trout | 11,912 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2015 | Brown Trout | 14,931 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2015 | Brown Trout | 138 | 4.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2013 | Brown Trout | 14,962 | 3.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2012 | Brown Trout | 15,004 | 2.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2011 | Brown Trout | 14,987 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2010 | Brown Trout | 11,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2009 | Brown Trout | 5,868 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 20,005 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 16,885 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2008 | Brown Trout | 15,383 | 3.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 20,880 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 15,753 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 18,352 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 23,114 | 5.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 11,007 | 5.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 15,904 | 5.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 11,194 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 15,012 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Brown Trout | 4,216 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2002 | Brown Trout | 10,688 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 15,387 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2001 | Brown Trout | 4,959 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 27, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 15,557 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2000 | Brown Trout | 5,038 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 15,280 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 15,436 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 15,052 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 7,110 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 14,994 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 13,100 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 15,140 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 15,013 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 9,800 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 5,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 18,864 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 12,506 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 13,620 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 16,740 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 13,680 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 13,870 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 82 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Kipp Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kipp Lake was last stocked May 12, 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kipp Lake?
Kipp Lake is stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Kipp Lake stocked?
Kipp Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Kipp Lake stocked?
Kipp Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 82 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Kipp Lake?
About 1,005,012 fish have been stocked in Kipp Lake across 82 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kipp Lake?
Fish stocked in Kipp Lake average about 6.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kipp 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 Kipp Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Kipp 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.