Mcneil Slough Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1976 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mcneil Slough was last stocked July 26, 1976 with Largemouth Bass. Mcneil Slough has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1976, with about 481,620 fish stocked over that period.
When Mcneil Slough is stocked
Mcneil Slough is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mcneil Slough
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 Mcneil Slough, 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 Mcneil Slough was last stocked July 26, 1976, 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 Mcneil Slough:
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Mcneil Slough
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.
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 Mcneil Slough, freshest activity first.
Cole Pond NNW
4 mi8 species · 98 records
Last stocked August 2025
Allery Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cole Pond NW
4 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2025
Cole Pond SW
4 mi3 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pr 080 Reservoir
19 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2003
Bowman Reservoir
17 mi4 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1972 | Largemouth Bass | 23,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Northern Pike | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1971 | Northern Pike | 1,300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1963 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1960 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1960 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1960 | Northern Pike | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 38,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 45,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 45,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 60,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,800 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 62,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 66,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mcneil Slough last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mcneil Slough was last stocked July 26, 1976 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Mcneil Slough?
Mcneil Slough is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Mcneil Slough stocked?
Mcneil Slough is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Mcneil Slough stocked?
Mcneil Slough is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1976.
How many fish have been stocked in Mcneil Slough?
About 481,620 fish have been stocked in Mcneil Slough across 15 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mcneil Slough?
Fish stocked in Mcneil Slough average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mcneil Slough?
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 Mcneil Slough?
Freshly stocked trout in Mcneil Slough 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.