Meadow Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1996 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meadow Lake was last stocked June 28, 1996 with Rainbow Trout. Meadow Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1996, with about 114,062 fish stocked over that period.
When Meadow Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Meadow 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 Meadow 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 Meadow Lake was last stocked June 28, 1996, 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 Meadow 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.
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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Meadow 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 Meadow Lake, freshest activity first.
Beaver Lake
2 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked June 2026
Snappys Pond
4 mi4 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shady Lane Pond
4 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pine Grove Pond
2 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Buffalohead Park Pond
4 mi1 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2025
Blanchard Lake
5 mi5 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 975 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,056 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 987 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,038 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1950 | Arctic Grayling | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 1947 | Brook Trout | 55,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Meadow Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meadow Lake was last stocked June 28, 1996 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Brook Trout.
How often is Meadow Lake stocked?
Meadow Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1996.
How many fish have been stocked in Meadow Lake?
About 114,062 fish have been stocked in Meadow Lake across 9 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Meadow Lake?
Fish stocked in Meadow Lake average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Meadow 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 Meadow Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Meadow 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.