Marion Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1925–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marion Lake was last stocked August 26, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout. Marion Lake has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1925–1953, with about 123,241 fish stocked over that period.
When Marion Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion Lake was last stocked August 26, 1953, 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 Marion 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Marion 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 Marion Lake, freshest activity first.
Almeda Lake
2 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
West Tranquil Basin Lake
8 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2024
Felix Creek
7 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1994
Upper Sheep Creek Lake
4 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1993
Hungry Horse Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked October 1990
McInernie Creek
7 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,752 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,689 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1927 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1925 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Marion Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marion Lake was last stocked August 26, 1953 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Marion Lake?
Marion Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Marion Lake stocked?
Marion Lake is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1925 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Marion Lake?
About 123,241 fish have been stocked in Marion Lake across 7 recorded events since 1925, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Marion Lake?
Fish stocked in Marion Lake average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Marion 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 Marion Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Marion 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.