Margaret Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Margaret Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Margaret Lake has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–2024, with about 73,624 fish stocked over that period.
When Margaret Lake is stocked
Margaret Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Margaret 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 Margaret 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 Margaret Lake was last stocked August 4, 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 Margaret 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 Margaret 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 Margaret Lake, freshest activity first.
Unnamed
11 mi3 species · 26 records
Last stocked June 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
12 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Deep Creek
7 mi5 species · 307 records
Last stocked October 2008
Lake Helena
11 mi8 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 1999
Helena Industries Pond
8 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1991
Prickly Pear Creek
12 mi3 species · 81 records
Last stocked July 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 745 | 2.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,786 | 6.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 534 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,170 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,830 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 529 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1955 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,760 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Margaret Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Margaret Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Margaret Lake?
Margaret Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Margaret Lake stocked?
Margaret Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Margaret Lake stocked?
Margaret Lake is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1948 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Margaret Lake?
About 73,624 fish have been stocked in Margaret Lake across 26 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Margaret Lake?
Fish stocked in Margaret Lake average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Margaret 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 Margaret Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Margaret 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.