Pilgrim Lake 1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1989–2017 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pilgrim Lake 1 was last stocked August 10, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout. Pilgrim Lake 1 has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1989–2017, with about 70,642 fish stocked over that period.
When Pilgrim Lake 1 is stocked
Pilgrim Lake 1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pilgrim Lake 1
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 Pilgrim Lake 1, 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 Pilgrim Lake 1 was last stocked August 10, 2017, 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 Pilgrim Lake 1:
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 Pilgrim Lake 1
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 Pilgrim Lake 1, freshest activity first.
Handkerchief Lake
3 mi2 species · 59 records
Last stocked September 2024
Squaw Lake
3 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Tom Tom Lake
3 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
Birch Lake
3 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2024
Big Hawk Lake
1 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked July 2023
North Jewel Lake
5 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 1.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,182 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,960 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pilgrim Lake 1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pilgrim Lake 1 was last stocked August 10, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pilgrim Lake 1?
Pilgrim Lake 1 is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Pilgrim Lake 1 stocked?
Pilgrim Lake 1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Pilgrim Lake 1 stocked?
Pilgrim Lake 1 is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1989 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Pilgrim Lake 1?
About 70,642 fish have been stocked in Pilgrim Lake 1 across 13 recorded events since 1989, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pilgrim Lake 1?
Fish stocked in Pilgrim Lake 1 average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pilgrim Lake 1?
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 Pilgrim Lake 1?
Freshly stocked trout in Pilgrim Lake 1 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.