McNabb Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–2015 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, McNabb Lake was last stocked April 20, 2015 with Rainbow Trout. McNabb Lake has 54 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–2015, with about 75,623 fish stocked over that period.
When McNabb Lake is stocked
McNabb Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for McNabb 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 McNabb 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 McNabb Lake was last stocked April 20, 2015, 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 McNabb 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.
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.
Black Crappie Profile Tips
Often caught around structure with small jigs or minnows, especially in spring when crappie move shallow to spawn.
Recommended Tackle for McNabb 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near McNabb Lake, freshest activity first.
MacNab Pond
1 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Spring Canyon Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2025
Almy Pond
6 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1969
Gross Lake
13 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1969
Meyers Pond
16 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1968
Lewis Pond
15 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked October 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 20, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 6.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,962 | 7.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,902 | 7.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,111 | 6.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Black Crappie | 415 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 7.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 6.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,897 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,007 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,093 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,021 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,068 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,012 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,053 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,015 | 9.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,088 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,007 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,009 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,222 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 792 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,250 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,150 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 54 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was McNabb Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, McNabb Lake was last stocked April 20, 2015 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in McNabb Lake?
McNabb Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
What time of year is McNabb Lake stocked?
McNabb Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is McNabb Lake stocked?
McNabb Lake is stocked intermittently — 54 recorded stockings between 1947 and 2015.
How many fish have been stocked in McNabb Lake?
About 75,623 fish have been stocked in McNabb Lake across 54 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in McNabb Lake?
Fish stocked in McNabb Lake average about 7.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish McNabb 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 McNabb Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in McNabb 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.