Long Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–1995 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Long Lake was last stocked May 19, 1995 with Rainbow Trout. Long Lake has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–1995, with about 237,456 fish stocked over that period.
When Long Lake is stocked
Long Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Long 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 Long 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 Long Lake was last stocked May 19, 1995, 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 Long 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.
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 Long 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Long Lake, freshest activity first.
Our Lake
9 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ostle Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 59 records
Last stocked June 2025
Green Lake
8 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 2007
Middle Fork Birch Creek
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1951
Middle Fork North Fork Teton River
8 mi3 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 1951
West Fork North Fork Teton River
2 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 1950
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,509 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,480 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,534 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,582 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,060 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,060 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,344 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,970 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,216 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,042 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1965 | Brook Trout | 7,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1964 | Brook Trout | 6,525 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1963 | Brook Trout | 7,728 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1962 | Brook Trout | 33,176 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1961 | Brook Trout | 30,155 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 1944 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1944 | Crappie | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1944 | Bullhead | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,396 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1940 | Brook Trout | 11,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1938 | Brook Trout | 4,900 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1936 | Brook Trout | 6,255 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1933 | Brook Trout | 7,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Long Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Long Lake was last stocked May 19, 1995 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Long Lake?
Long Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Long Lake stocked?
Long Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Long Lake stocked?
Long Lake is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1933 and 1995.
How many fish have been stocked in Long Lake?
About 237,456 fish have been stocked in Long Lake across 29 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Long Lake?
Fish stocked in Long Lake average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Long 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 Long Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Long 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.