Moore Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1953 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moore Lake was last stocked August 22, 1953 with Rainbow Trout. Moore Lake has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1953, with about 14,122 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Moore 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 Moore 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 Moore Lake was last stocked August 22, 1953, 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 Moore 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 Moore 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 Moore Lake, freshest activity first.
St. Regis Community Park
10 mi4 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lenore Lake
5 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 2025
Missoula Lake
10 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2024
Square Lake
8 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2019
Hazel Lake
8 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2019
Hub Lake
9 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2000
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 6,082 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Moore Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moore Lake was last stocked August 22, 1953 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Moore Lake?
Moore Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Moore Lake stocked?
Moore Lake is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1953.
How many fish have been stocked in Moore Lake?
About 14,122 fish have been stocked in Moore Lake across 3 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Moore Lake?
Fish stocked in Moore Lake average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Moore 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 Moore Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Moore 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.