Marl Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marl Lake was last stocked May 19, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Marl Lake has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1994, with about 582,097 fish stocked over that period.
When Marl Lake is stocked
Marl Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Marl 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 Marl 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 Marl Lake was last stocked May 19, 1994, 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 Marl 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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 Marl 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Marl Lake, freshest activity first.
Louis Lake
10 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2024
Murphy Lake
4 mi5 species · 43 records
Last stocked August 2024
Brimstone Lake
8 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2023
Frank Lake
4 mi4 species · 145 records
Last stocked May 2023
Timber Lake
5 mi1 species · 85 records
Last stocked May 2023
Olga Lake
5 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 4,192 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,024 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,190 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,009 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 12,824 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 12,824 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 4,012 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,605 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,318 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 4,397 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 4,059 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,998 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 5,140 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,997 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,972 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,890 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,494 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,344 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,770 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,740 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 12,282 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 60,348 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1962 | Kokanee | 135,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 44,268 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1961 | Kokanee | 177,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 2,900 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1932 | Coho Salmon | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1932 | Coho Salmon | 4,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Marl Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Marl Lake was last stocked May 19, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Marl Lake?
Marl Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Marl Lake stocked?
Marl Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Marl Lake stocked?
Marl Lake is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Marl Lake?
About 582,097 fish have been stocked in Marl Lake across 31 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Marl Lake?
Fish stocked in Marl Lake average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Marl 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 Marl Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Marl 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.