Metcalf Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–2002 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Metcalf Lake was last stocked September 26, 2002 with Rainbow Trout. Metcalf Lake has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–2002, with about 46,156 fish stocked over that period.
When Metcalf Lake is stocked
Metcalf Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Metcalf 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 Metcalf 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 Metcalf Lake was last stocked September 26, 2002, 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 Metcalf 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.
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 Metcalf 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 Metcalf Lake, freshest activity first.
Van Lake
5 mi2 species · 134 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shay Lake
5 mi3 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2025
Swan Pond
2 mi1 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
South Woodward Cr Lake 2
5 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2024
Fatty Lake
6 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 3
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 26, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 785 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,121 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 533 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 512 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 31, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 534 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,077 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,492 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,760 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,618 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Metcalf Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Metcalf Lake was last stocked September 26, 2002 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Metcalf Lake?
Metcalf Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Metcalf Lake stocked?
Metcalf Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Metcalf Lake stocked?
Metcalf Lake is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1940 and 2002.
How many fish have been stocked in Metcalf Lake?
About 46,156 fish have been stocked in Metcalf Lake across 18 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Metcalf Lake?
Fish stocked in Metcalf Lake average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Metcalf 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 Metcalf Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Metcalf 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.