Kiyo Crag Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1975–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kiyo Crag Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Kiyo Crag Lake has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1975–2024, with about 18,633 fish stocked over that period.
When Kiyo Crag Lake is stocked
Kiyo Crag Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kiyo Crag 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 Kiyo Crag 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 Kiyo Crag Lake was last stocked August 4, 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 Kiyo Crag 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.
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 Kiyo Crag 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 Kiyo Crag Lake, freshest activity first.
Mitten Lake
6 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Magee Lake
14 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Railroad Lake
16 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 1989
Horn Lake
10 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 1988
No Chief Lake
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1981
Swift Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,003 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 991 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,110 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,291 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,008 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 960 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 960 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 990 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,008 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,312 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kiyo Crag Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kiyo Crag Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kiyo Crag Lake?
Kiyo Crag Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Kiyo Crag Lake stocked?
Kiyo Crag Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Kiyo Crag Lake stocked?
Kiyo Crag Lake is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1975 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Kiyo Crag Lake?
About 18,633 fish have been stocked in Kiyo Crag Lake across 18 recorded events since 1975, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kiyo Crag Lake?
Fish stocked in Kiyo Crag Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kiyo Crag 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 Kiyo Crag Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Kiyo Crag 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.