Missoula Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Missoula Lake was last stocked August 15, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Missoula Lake has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–2024, with about 22,520 fish stocked over that period.
When Missoula Lake is stocked
Missoula Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Missoula 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 Missoula 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 Missoula Lake was last stocked August 15, 2024, 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 Missoula 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.
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.
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 Missoula 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 Missoula Lake, freshest activity first.
French Lake
11 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2021
Dalton Lake
12 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2021
Trio Lakes
12 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Superior Golf Course Pond
14 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2003
Windfall Lake
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 2000
Moore Lake
10 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,066 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Missoula Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Missoula Lake was last stocked August 15, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Missoula Lake?
Missoula Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Missoula Lake stocked?
Missoula Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Missoula Lake stocked?
Missoula Lake is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1964 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Missoula Lake?
About 22,520 fish have been stocked in Missoula Lake across 19 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Missoula Lake?
Fish stocked in Missoula Lake average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Missoula 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 Missoula Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Missoula 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.