Medicine Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Medicine Lake was last stocked June 6, 2025 with Northern Pike. Medicine Lake has 82 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2025, with about 9,534,878 fish stocked over that period.
When Medicine Lake is stocked
Medicine Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Medicine 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 Medicine 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 Medicine Lake was last stocked June 6, 2025, 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 Medicine 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
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 Medicine 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Medicine Lake, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Lake
8 mi16 species · 1842 records
Last stocked July 2025
Trumbo Pond
8 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2009
Olsen Pond 1
9 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked March 2005
Engdahl Cottonwood Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2003
Engdahl Reservoir 2
14 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1995
Carpenter Creek Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2025 | Northern Pike | 12,397 | 3.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2025 | Northern Pike | 182,000 | 1.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2025 | Northern Pike | 252,000 | 1.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Northern Pike | 1,211 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Northern Pike | 105,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2020 | Northern Pike | 3,784 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2020 | Northern Pike | 7,310 | 3.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2018 | Northern Pike | 4,586 | 3.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2018 | Northern Pike | 2,476 | 3.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Northern Pike | 188,500 | 0.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Northern Pike | 14,305 | 2.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Northern Pike | 500,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,030 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2012 | Northern Pike | 32,201 | 2.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Northern Pike | 381,500 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2012 | Northern Pike | 119,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2011 | Northern Pike | 30,724 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2011 | Northern Pike | 9,294 | 2.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2011 | Northern Pike | 32,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2011 | Northern Pike | 291,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2011 | Northern Pike | 504,000 | 0.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,030 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1998 | Northern Pike | 800,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1996 | Northern Pike | 100,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,030 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1989 | Northern Pike | 150,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,998 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1984 | Yellow Perch | 1,648 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1984 | Yellow Perch | 3,976 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1982 | Northern Pike | 85,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1982 | Walleye | 90,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1980 | Walleye | 90,100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1980 | Northern Pike | 133,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1979 | Northern Pike | 175,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1979 | Northern Pike | 176,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1978 | Northern Pike | 42,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1978 | Northern Pike | 179,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1976 | Northern Pike | 75,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1973 | Walleye | 17,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1972 | Yellow Perch | 1,115 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,870 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,650 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1971 | Northern Pike | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1970 | Northern Pike | 1,860 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1970 | Northern Pike | 560 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1969 | Northern Pike | 360 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1969 | Northern Pike | 1,000,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 82 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Medicine Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Medicine Lake was last stocked June 6, 2025 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is stocked with Northern Pike, Cutthroat Trout, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Bluegill, Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie.
What time of year is Medicine Lake stocked?
Medicine Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Medicine Lake stocked?
Medicine Lake is stocked intermittently — 82 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Medicine Lake?
About 9,534,878 fish have been stocked in Medicine Lake across 82 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Medicine Lake?
Fish stocked in Medicine Lake average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Medicine 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 Medicine Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Medicine 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.