Painted Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Painted Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Painted Lake has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–2024, with about 11,128 fish stocked over that period.
When Painted Lake is stocked
Painted Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Painted 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 Painted 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 Painted Lake was last stocked September 19, 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 Painted 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.
Recommended Tackle for Painted 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 Painted Lake, freshest activity first.
Hilgard Lake
0 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked September 2024
Sunset Lake
2 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2024
Ramona Lake
2 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Lake Ha Hand
2 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Expedition Lake
3 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2024
High Hope Lake
3 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,007 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,002 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,560 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,560 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Painted Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Painted Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Painted Lake?
Painted Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Painted Lake stocked?
Painted Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Painted Lake stocked?
Painted Lake is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1973 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Painted Lake?
About 11,128 fish have been stocked in Painted Lake across 15 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Painted Lake?
Fish stocked in Painted Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Painted 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 Painted Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Painted 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.