North Fish Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1942–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fish Lake was last stocked August 9, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. North Fish Lake has 32 stocking records on file, spanning 1942–2024, with about 131,741 fish stocked over that period.
When North Fish Lake is stocked
North Fish Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for North Fish 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 North Fish 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 North Fish Lake was last stocked August 9, 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 North Fish 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.
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.
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 North Fish 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 North Fish Lake, freshest activity first.
Middle Fish Lake
1 mi1 species · 24 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Fish Lake
1 mi1 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 2024
Hoskins Lake
3 mi2 species · 55 records
Last stocked August 2024
Vinal Lake
5 mi1 species · 69 records
Last stocked August 2024
Mt Henry Lake
3 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2014
Boulder Lake 1
7 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 9, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,250 | 1.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 996 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 991 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,035 | 1.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 24 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,073 | 0.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 999 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 914 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,006 | 1.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 999 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 996 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,007 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,020 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 995 | 1.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,128 | 1.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,476 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,032 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,160 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,024 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 12,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,640 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was North Fish Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, North Fish Lake was last stocked August 9, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in North Fish Lake?
North Fish Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is North Fish Lake stocked?
North Fish Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is North Fish Lake stocked?
North Fish Lake is stocked intermittently — 32 recorded stockings between 1942 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in North Fish Lake?
About 131,741 fish have been stocked in North Fish Lake across 32 recorded events since 1942, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in North Fish Lake?
Fish stocked in North Fish Lake average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish North Fish 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 North Fish Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in North Fish 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.