Railroad Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1944–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Railroad Lake was last stocked September 28, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Railroad Lake has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1944–1989, with about 33,606 fish stocked over that period.
When Railroad Lake is stocked
Railroad Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Railroad 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 Railroad 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 Railroad Lake was last stocked September 28, 1989, 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 Railroad 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Railroad 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Railroad Lake, freshest activity first.
Kipp Lake
10 mi2 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kiyo Crag Lake
16 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Mitten Lake
16 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Cemetary Lake
2 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2008
Magee Lake
5 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Toad Creek
17 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 1992
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 4,992 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,992 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,319 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 870 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 929 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,052 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,290 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,150 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 780 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,232 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1944 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1944 | Largemouth Bass | 700 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1944 | Bluegill | 700 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Railroad Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Railroad Lake was last stocked September 28, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Railroad Lake?
Railroad Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Railroad Lake stocked?
Railroad Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Railroad Lake stocked?
Railroad Lake is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1944 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Railroad Lake?
About 33,606 fish have been stocked in Railroad Lake across 22 recorded events since 1944, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Railroad Lake?
Fish stocked in Railroad Lake average about 9.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Railroad 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 Railroad Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Railroad 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.