Lake Inez Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lake Inez was last stocked June 16, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Lake Inez has 141 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2025, with about 2,043,845 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Inez is stocked
Lake Inez is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 63 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Inez
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 Lake Inez, 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 Lake Inez was last stocked June 16, 2025, 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 Lake Inez:
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Inez
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 Lake Inez, freshest activity first.
Lake Alva
2 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainy Lake
4 mi5 species · 56 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hall Lake
6 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2024
Seeley Lake
6 mi7 species · 536 records
Last stocked May 2024
Lake Marshall
4 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked June 2015
Pine Creek
7 mi3 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,980 | 4.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2024 | Kokanee | 9,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2023 | Kokanee | 10,000 | 3.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2022 | Kokanee | 10,019 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2021 | Kokanee | 9,100 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Kokanee | 10,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Kokanee | 10,373 | 2.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 5.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 4.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2017 | Kokanee | 9,936 | 2.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 5.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2016 | Kokanee | 10,179 | 1.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 4.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Kokanee | 10,664 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2013 | Kokanee | 49,957 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2012 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2011 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2010 | Kokanee | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,890 | 4.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,153 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2008 | Kokanee | 19,866 | 3.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2007 | Kokanee | 19,875 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Kokanee | 21,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,034 | 3.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2005 | Kokanee | 19,968 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2004 | Kokanee | 26,012 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2003 | Kokanee | 19,971 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,400 | 4.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2002 | Kokanee | 21,834 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 800 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2001 | Kokanee | 20,520 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,995 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,010 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,979 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,955 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 141 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Inez last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lake Inez was last stocked June 16, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Inez?
Lake Inez is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Lake Inez stocked?
Lake Inez is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Lake Inez stocked?
Lake Inez has been stocked about 1 times a year — 141 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Inez?
About 2,043,845 fish have been stocked in Lake Inez across 141 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lake Inez?
Fish stocked in Lake Inez average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Inez?
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 Lake Inez?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Inez 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.