Plummer Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Plummer Lake was last stocked September 22, 1971 with Cutthroat Trout. Plummer Lake has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1971, with about 12,160 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Plummer 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 Plummer 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 Plummer Lake was last stocked September 22, 1971, 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 Plummer 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Plummer 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 Plummer Lake, freshest activity first.
Round Lake
2 mi4 species · 59 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swimming Lake
1 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 1972
Sawdust Lake
1 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 1970
East Bass Lake
1 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 1968
Harbin Lake
1 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1968
Double Lake
1 mi3 species · 21 records
Last stocked April 1966
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,080 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1970 | Arctic Grayling | 7,140 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,640 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Plummer Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Plummer Lake was last stocked September 22, 1971 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Plummer Lake?
Plummer Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Plummer Lake stocked?
Plummer Lake is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Plummer Lake?
About 12,160 fish have been stocked in Plummer Lake across 4 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Plummer Lake?
Fish stocked in Plummer Lake average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Plummer 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 Plummer Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Plummer 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.