No Chief Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1978–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, No Chief Lake was last stocked May 28, 1981 with Rainbow Trout. No Chief Lake has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1978–1981, with about 119,956 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for No Chief 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 No Chief 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 No Chief Lake was last stocked May 28, 1981, 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 No Chief 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 No Chief 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 No Chief Lake, freshest activity first.
Kipp Lake
10 mi2 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kiyo Crag Lake
13 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Mitten Lake
13 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Cemetary Lake
4 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2008
Magee Lake
4 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Railroad Lake
3 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 99,956 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was No Chief Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, No Chief Lake was last stocked May 28, 1981 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in No Chief Lake?
No Chief Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is No Chief Lake stocked?
No Chief Lake is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1978 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in No Chief Lake?
About 119,956 fish have been stocked in No Chief Lake across 2 recorded events since 1978, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in No Chief Lake?
Fish stocked in No Chief Lake average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish No Chief 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 No Chief Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in No Chief 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.