Murphy Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Murphy Lake was last stocked August 8, 2024 with Largemouth Bass. Murphy Lake has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2024, with about 370,668 fish stocked over that period.
When Murphy Lake is stocked
Murphy Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy Lake was last stocked August 8, 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 Murphy 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Murphy 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Murphy Lake, freshest activity first.
Dickey Lake
7 mi7 species · 174 records
Last stocked May 2026
Louis Lake
8 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked August 2024
Sunday Lake 1
8 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Brimstone Lake
5 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2023
Frank Lake
8 mi4 species · 145 records
Last stocked May 2023
Timber Lake
8 mi1 species · 85 records
Last stocked May 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 8, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 18,140 | 1.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 2.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 4,164 | 3.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 6,500 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2013 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 10,600 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 16,300 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 103 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 50 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,530 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,260 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 685 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 680 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 920 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 587 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,972 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,890 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 6,037 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,040 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,180 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1944 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1942 | Brook Trout | 2,850 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1931 | Chinook Salmon | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Murphy Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Murphy Lake was last stocked August 8, 2024 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Murphy Lake?
Murphy Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Murphy Lake stocked?
Murphy Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Murphy Lake stocked?
Murphy Lake is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Murphy Lake?
About 370,668 fish have been stocked in Murphy Lake across 43 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Murphy Lake?
Fish stocked in Murphy Lake average about 5.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Murphy 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 Murphy Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Murphy 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.