Meccage Dam Fish Stocking
Montana · 1944–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meccage Dam was last stocked July 17, 2020 with Largemouth Bass. Meccage Dam has 30 stocking records on file, spanning 1944–2020, with about 70,510 fish stocked over that period.
When Meccage Dam is stocked
Meccage Dam is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Meccage Dam
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 Meccage Dam, 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 Meccage Dam was last stocked July 17, 2020, 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 Meccage Dam:
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.
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 Meccage Dam
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 Meccage Dam, freshest activity first.
MacNab Pond
17 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lander Dam
16 mi5 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2024
BLM Pond East of John Vassor
13 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2020
Westrope Pond
18 mi4 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1982
Sportsmans Dam
17 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked April 1980
Straub Pond
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 22 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 29, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 4,160 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1947 | Bluegill | 750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1944 | Bluegill | 600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Meccage Dam last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meccage Dam was last stocked July 17, 2020 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Meccage Dam?
Meccage Dam is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Meccage Dam stocked?
Meccage Dam is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Meccage Dam stocked?
Meccage Dam is stocked intermittently — 30 recorded stockings between 1944 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Meccage Dam?
About 70,510 fish have been stocked in Meccage Dam across 30 recorded events since 1944, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Meccage Dam?
Fish stocked in Meccage Dam average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Meccage Dam?
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 Meccage Dam?
Freshly stocked trout in Meccage Dam 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.