Poison Lakes 1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 2004–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Poison Lakes 1 was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Poison Lakes 1 has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 2004–2024, with about 7,400 fish stocked over that period.
When Poison Lakes 1 is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Poison Lakes 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 Poison Lakes 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 Poison Lakes 1 was last stocked September 19, 2024, 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 Poison Lakes 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 Poison Lakes 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 Poison Lakes 1, freshest activity first.
Clark Canyon Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 436 records
Last stocked July 2025
Dad Creek Lake
12 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 2024
Morrison Lake
18 mi4 species · 26 records
Last stocked July 2022
Staudenmeyer Pond
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2009
Red Rock River Ranch Res
6 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2003
Beaverhead River
11 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2002
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 8.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Poison Lakes 1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Poison Lakes 1 was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Poison Lakes 1?
Poison Lakes 1 is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Poison Lakes 1 stocked?
Poison Lakes 1 is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 2004 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Poison Lakes 1?
About 7,400 fish have been stocked in Poison Lakes 1 across 9 recorded events since 2004, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Poison Lakes 1?
Fish stocked in Poison Lakes 1 average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Poison Lakes 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 Poison Lakes 1?
Freshly stocked trout in Poison Lakes 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.