Meridith Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meridith Lake was last stocked September 19, 1967 with Rainbow Trout. Meridith Lake has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–1967, with about 2,300 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Meridith 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 Meridith 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 Meridith Lake was last stocked September 19, 1967, 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 Meridith 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.
Recommended Tackle for Meridith 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 Meridith Lake, freshest activity first.
Nilan Reservoir
12 mi4 species · 224 records
Last stocked May 2026
Wood Lake
8 mi5 species · 107 records
Last stocked May 2026
Spring Creek
10 mi6 species · 624 records
Last stocked July 2011
Bean Lake
1 mi4 species · 124 records
Last stocked July 2005
Pauls Lake
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1977
Ford Creek
10 mi3 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 1965
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Meridith Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Meridith Lake was last stocked September 19, 1967 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Meridith Lake?
Meridith Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Meridith Lake stocked?
Meridith Lake is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1948 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Meridith Lake?
About 2,300 fish have been stocked in Meridith Lake across 2 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Meridith Lake?
Fish stocked in Meridith Lake average about 6.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Meridith 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 Meridith Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Meridith 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.