Pierce Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pierce Lake was last stocked June 5, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Pierce Lake has 48 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2025, with about 138,713 fish stocked over that period.
When Pierce Lake is stocked
Pierce Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce Lake was last stocked June 5, 2025, 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 Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce Lake, freshest activity first.
Holland Lake
4 mi4 species · 151 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lindbergh Lake
5 mi4 species · 175 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lake Alva
6 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainy Lake
4 mi5 species · 56 records
Last stocked June 2025
Clearwater Lake
3 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 2023
Lick
6 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked October 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 4.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 4.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 5.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 6.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,504 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,106 | 6.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,164 | 6.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 40 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,515 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,514 | 4.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 534 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,025 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,509 | 3.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,510 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,507 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,604 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 960 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,950 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,997 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,496 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,566 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,993 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,036 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,003 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,204 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 13, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,565 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 11, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 648 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 4,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,560 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,503 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,499 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,251 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 4,590 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,344 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 12,260 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pierce Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pierce Lake was last stocked June 5, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pierce Lake?
Pierce Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Pierce Lake stocked?
Pierce Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Pierce Lake stocked?
Pierce Lake is stocked intermittently — 48 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Pierce Lake?
About 138,713 fish have been stocked in Pierce Lake across 48 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pierce Lake?
Fish stocked in Pierce Lake average about 4.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pierce 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 Pierce Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pierce 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.