Lodge Pole Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lodge Pole Creek was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Lodge Pole Creek has 21 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2008, with about 23,822 fish stocked over that period.
When Lodge Pole Creek is stocked
Lodge Pole Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lodge Pole Creek
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 Lodge Pole Creek, 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 Lodge Pole Creek was last stocked May 8, 2008, 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 Lodge Pole Creek:
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.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Lodge Pole Creek
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 Lodge Pole Creek, freshest activity first.
Ester Lake
19 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 2023
Gazob Reservoir
19 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2020
Martin Pond
14 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2008
Strike Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 52 records
Last stocked May 2008
Snake Butte Spring Res
17 mi2 species · 103 records
Last stocked May 2008
Martin Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 282 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 282 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 538 | 6.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 538 | 6.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 121 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 13 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 121 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 931 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 931 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,769 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,769 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1941 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 4,620 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1934 | Rainbow Trout | 4,620 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lodge Pole Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lodge Pole Creek was last stocked May 8, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lodge Pole Creek?
Lodge Pole Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Lodge Pole Creek stocked?
Lodge Pole Creek is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Lodge Pole Creek stocked?
Lodge Pole Creek is stocked intermittently — 21 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Lodge Pole Creek?
About 23,822 fish have been stocked in Lodge Pole Creek across 21 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lodge Pole Creek?
Fish stocked in Lodge Pole Creek average about 5.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lodge Pole Creek?
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 Lodge Pole Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Lodge Pole Creek 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.