Little Black Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1996–1998 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Black Lake was last stocked July 28, 1998 with Largemouth Bass. Little Black Lake has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–1998, with about 300 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Little Black 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 Little Black 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 Little Black Lake was last stocked July 28, 1998, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Little Black Lake:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Little Black Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Little Black Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Elmo
19 mi15 species · 263 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rocky Ranch Interstate Pond
18 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2025
Pryor Creek
13 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2013
Reichenback Pond
18 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2007
Big Black Lake
0 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1998
Rocky Ranch Hardin Pond
19 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1998 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1996 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Little Black Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Black Lake was last stocked July 28, 1998 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Little Black Lake?
Little Black Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass.
How often is Little Black Lake stocked?
Little Black Lake is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1996 and 1998.
How many fish have been stocked in Little Black Lake?
About 300 fish have been stocked in Little Black Lake across 2 recorded events since 1996, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Little Black Lake?
Fish stocked in Little Black Lake average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Little Black 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.