Moran Basin Lakes Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moran Basin Lakes was last stocked August 20, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Moran Basin Lakes has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–2022, with about 47,631 fish stocked over that period.
When Moran Basin Lakes is stocked
Moran Basin Lakes 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 Moran Basin Lakes
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 Moran Basin Lakes, 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 Moran Basin Lakes was last stocked August 20, 2022, 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 Moran Basin Lakes:
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Moran Basin Lakes
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 Moran Basin Lakes, freshest activity first.
Triangle Pond
9 mi3 species · 242 records
Last stocked May 2026
St Paul Lake
2 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Engle Lake
7 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2023
Upper Lake
8 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2021
Wanless Lake 2
8 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2021
Howard Lake
8 mi3 species · 70 records
Last stocked October 2016
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,035 | 1.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 991 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 999 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,003 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,020 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,040 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,022 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 3, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,089 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,048 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,024 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,360 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1965 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Moran Basin Lakes last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moran Basin Lakes was last stocked August 20, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Moran Basin Lakes?
Moran Basin Lakes is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Moran Basin Lakes stocked?
Moran Basin Lakes is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Moran Basin Lakes stocked?
Moran Basin Lakes is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1946 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Moran Basin Lakes?
About 47,631 fish have been stocked in Moran Basin Lakes across 18 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Moran Basin Lakes?
Fish stocked in Moran Basin Lakes average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Moran Basin Lakes?
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 Moran Basin Lakes?
Freshly stocked trout in Moran Basin Lakes 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.