Moran Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moran Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout. Moran Lake has 117 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–2026, with about 338,303 fish stocked over that period.
When Moran Lake is stocked
Moran Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 36 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Moran 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 Moran 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 Moran Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026, 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 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.
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.
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 Moran 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.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Moran Lake, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
4 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Swisher Lake
2 mi3 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
1 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sophie Lake
1 mi5 species · 241 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bluebird Lake
8 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Wolverine Lake
8 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2026 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 3.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2025 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,103 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2022 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,099 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,099 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,102 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,034 | 7.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 8.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 946 | 8.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 6.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,071 | 6.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,016 | 7.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 5.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 957 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 920 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,495 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 922 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,083 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 5,191 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,335 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,079 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 3,528 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 451 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,296 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 706 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 992 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,496 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 320 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,997 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,160 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1993 | Brook Trout | 5,022 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1993 | Brook Trout | 5,162 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,852 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 117 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Moran Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Moran Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Moran Lake?
Moran Lake is stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Moran Lake stocked?
Moran Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Moran Lake stocked?
Moran Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 117 recorded stockings between 1939 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Moran Lake?
About 338,303 fish have been stocked in Moran Lake across 117 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Moran Lake?
Fish stocked in Moran Lake average about 7.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Moran 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 Moran Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Moran 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.