Pintler Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pintler Lake was last stocked June 13, 1966 with Rainbow Trout. Pintler Lake has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1966, with about 6,686,741 fish stocked over that period.
When Pintler Lake is stocked
Pintler Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pintler 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 Pintler 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 Pintler Lake was last stocked June 13, 1966, 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 Pintler 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.
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.
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 Pintler 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 Pintler Lake, freshest activity first.
Oreamnos Lake
8 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Harrison Lake
8 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Ripple Lake
8 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1995
Phyllis Lake
9 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked October 1988
Upper Phyllis Lake
8 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1981
Mussigbrod Lake
9 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked July 1955
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,540 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,470 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,060 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,268 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1952 | Arctic Grayling | 250,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1951 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1950 | Arctic Grayling | 300,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 16, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1948 | Arctic Grayling | 200,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 1,536 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1946 | Arctic Grayling | 300,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1945 | Arctic Grayling | 227,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 8,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1944 | Arctic Grayling | 150,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1943 | Arctic Grayling | 254,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1942 | Arctic Grayling | 750,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1941 | Arctic Grayling | 371,847 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1940 | Arctic Grayling | 240,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1939 | Arctic Grayling | 700,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1938 | Arctic Grayling | 500,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1938 | Arctic Grayling | 500,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1937 | Arctic Grayling | 900,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1935 | Arctic Grayling | 380,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1928 | Arctic Grayling | 600,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pintler Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pintler Lake was last stocked June 13, 1966 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pintler Lake?
Pintler Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Pintler Lake stocked?
Pintler Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Pintler Lake stocked?
Pintler Lake is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in Pintler Lake?
About 6,686,741 fish have been stocked in Pintler Lake across 26 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pintler Lake?
Fish stocked in Pintler Lake average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pintler 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 Pintler Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pintler 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.