Murray Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1927–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Murray Lake was last stocked June 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Murray Lake has 102 stocking records on file, spanning 1927–2026, with about 625,921 fish stocked over that period.
When Murray Lake is stocked
Murray Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Murray 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 Murray 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 Murray Lake was last stocked June 10, 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 Murray 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.
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).
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.
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 Murray 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Murray Lake, freshest activity first.
Little Beaver Lake
1 mi3 species · 66 records
Last stocked June 2026
Dollar Lake
2 mi4 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2026
Woods Lake
2 mi2 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2026
Whitefish Lake
4 mi8 species · 261 records
Last stocked April 2021
Spencer Lake
3 mi7 species · 52 records
Last stocked July 2012
Skyles Lake
3 mi4 species · 27 records
Last stocked April 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,268 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2026 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2025 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 8,799 | 3.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 8,798 | 4.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2022 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,098 | 3.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 7,705 | 3.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 8,802 | 4.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2020 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 8,801 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2019 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 7,772 | 3.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 8,800 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2016 | Brook Trout | 2,021 | 1.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 8,806 | 3.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2015 | Brook Trout | 2,217 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,907 | 3.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 149 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 690 | 2.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,257 | 2.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 7,992 | 4.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 8,767 | 3.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,368 | 4.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 4,408 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 8,690 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 8,733 | 3.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 9,120 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 8,015 | 4.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 6,569 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,083 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 5,140 | 3.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 6,038 | 3.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 5,672 | 3.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 3.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,728 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,598 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 5,460 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,478 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,321 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,086 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,997 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,504 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,550 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 102 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Murray Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Murray Lake was last stocked June 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Murray Lake?
Murray Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Murray Lake stocked?
Murray Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Murray Lake stocked?
Murray Lake is stocked intermittently — 102 recorded stockings between 1927 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Murray Lake?
About 625,921 fish have been stocked in Murray Lake across 102 recorded events since 1927, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Murray Lake?
Fish stocked in Murray Lake average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Murray 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 Murray Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Murray 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.