Little Spar Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Spar Lake was last stocked August 9, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Little Spar Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–2024, with about 69,031 fish stocked over that period.
When Little Spar Lake is stocked
Little Spar Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Little Spar 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 Spar 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 Spar Lake was last stocked August 9, 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 Little Spar 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 Little Spar 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Little Spar Lake, freshest activity first.
Spar Lake
5 mi7 species · 135 records
Last stocked June 2026
Grouse Lake
11 mi2 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2025
Snowshoe Lake
14 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2024
Clark Fork River
9 mi4 species · 304 records
Last stocked September 2007
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir
15 mi6 species · 97 records
Last stocked August 1994
North Fork Keeler Creek
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 9, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 850 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,056 | 0.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,828 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,998 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,985 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,006 | 1.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,080 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,983 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,035 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,058 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,032 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,480 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,640 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Little Spar Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Little Spar Lake was last stocked August 9, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Little Spar Lake?
Little Spar Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Little Spar Lake stocked?
Little Spar Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Little Spar Lake stocked?
Little Spar Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1946 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Little Spar Lake?
About 69,031 fish have been stocked in Little Spar Lake across 17 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Little Spar Lake?
Fish stocked in Little Spar Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Little Spar 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 Little Spar Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Little Spar 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.