Pauls Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1977–1977 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pauls Lake was last stocked June 8, 1977 with Brook Trout. Pauls Lake has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1977–1977, with about 485 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pauls 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 Pauls 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 Pauls Lake was last stocked June 8, 1977, 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 Pauls 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.
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 Pauls 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 Pauls Lake, freshest activity first.
Nilan Reservoir
2 mi4 species · 224 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swazee Lake
5 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Spring Creek
5 mi6 species · 624 records
Last stocked July 2011
North Fork Ford Creek
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2005
Ford Creek
2 mi3 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 1965
Hoglund Lake
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 1977 | Brook Trout | 485 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pauls Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pauls Lake was last stocked June 8, 1977 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pauls Lake?
Pauls Lake is stocked with Brook Trout.
How often is Pauls Lake stocked?
Pauls Lake is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1977 and 1977.
How many fish have been stocked in Pauls Lake?
About 485 fish have been stocked in Pauls Lake across 1 recorded events since 1977, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pauls Lake?
Fish stocked in Pauls Lake average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pauls 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 Pauls Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pauls 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.