Lebo Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lebo Lake was last stocked July 19, 1993 with Rainbow Trout. Lebo Lake has 84 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–1993, with about 1,262,954 fish stocked over that period.
When Lebo Lake is stocked
Lebo Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lebo 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 Lebo 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 Lebo Lake was last stocked July 19, 1993, 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 Lebo 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Lebo 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Lebo Lake, freshest activity first.
Chief Joseph Pond
13 mi3 species · 176 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martinsdale Reservoir
15 mi4 species · 337 records
Last stocked May 2026
North Fork Musselshell River
16 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked July 1973
South Fork Musselshell River
16 mi4 species · 121 records
Last stocked June 1970
Haymaker Creek
8 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1953
Lebo Creek
14 mi3 species · 49 records
Last stocked July 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1991 | Tiger Trout | 1,500 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1989 | Tiger Trout | 1,900 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1988 | Tiger Trout | 1,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1984 | White Crappie | 920 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 31,212 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 30,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 30,630 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 19,599 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 11,199 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 30,654 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 25,680 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,448 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 30,600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 8,568 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,712 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 18,360 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 30,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 25,008 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 30,024 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 33,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 30,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 39,438 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 18,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 22,880 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 41,430 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 40,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 42,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 528 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 39,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 45,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 32,437 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 10,780 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 23,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 18,720 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 21,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,739 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 3,290 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,752 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,185 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 6,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 6,107 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 45,696 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 45,696 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,980 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 84 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lebo Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lebo Lake was last stocked July 19, 1993 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lebo Lake?
Lebo Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, White Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Lebo Lake stocked?
Lebo Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Lebo Lake stocked?
Lebo Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 84 recorded stockings between 1936 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Lebo Lake?
About 1,262,954 fish have been stocked in Lebo Lake across 84 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lebo Lake?
Fish stocked in Lebo Lake average about 4.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lebo 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 Lebo Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lebo 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.