Lower Necklace Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 2011–2021 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Necklace Lake was last stocked October 16, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout. Lower Necklace Lake has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 2011–2021, with about 11,429 fish stocked over that period.
When Lower Necklace Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lower Necklace 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 Lower Necklace 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 Lower Necklace Lake was last stocked October 16, 2021, 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 Lower Necklace 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 Lower Necklace 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.
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 Lower Necklace Lake, freshest activity first.
Sapphire Lake
2 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Shelf Lake
3 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Rumble Creek Lake
4 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2023
Upper Holland Lake
2 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 2022
Upper Necklace Lake
1 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked October 2021
Woodward Lake
1 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked August 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 16, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,429 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 31 | 1.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 342 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 577 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lower Necklace Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Necklace Lake was last stocked October 16, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lower Necklace Lake?
Lower Necklace Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Lower Necklace Lake stocked?
Lower Necklace Lake is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 2011 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Lower Necklace Lake?
About 11,429 fish have been stocked in Lower Necklace Lake across 10 recorded events since 2011, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lower Necklace Lake?
Fish stocked in Lower Necklace Lake average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Necklace 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 Lower Necklace Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lower Necklace 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.