Rat Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rat Lake was last stocked August 24, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Rat Lake has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1989, with about 82,586 fish stocked over that period.
When Rat Lake is stocked
Rat Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rat 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 Rat 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 Rat Lake was last stocked August 24, 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 Rat 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 Rat 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 Rat Lake, freshest activity first.
Le Clair Pond #2
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1998
Pioneer Lakes 2
1 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1997
Swan Creek
3 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked June 1978
Hellroaring Lakes 3
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1953
Little Bear Creek
8 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 1950
Hell Roaring Creek
3 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1948
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,999 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,575 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,714 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 1,529 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,514 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,678 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,305 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 1,245 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,639 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,484 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 3,250 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 4,995 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 10,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 12,376 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rat Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rat Lake was last stocked August 24, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rat Lake?
Rat Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Rat Lake stocked?
Rat Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Rat Lake stocked?
Rat Lake is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Rat Lake?
About 82,586 fish have been stocked in Rat Lake across 29 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rat Lake?
Fish stocked in Rat Lake average about 7.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rat 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 Rat Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Rat 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.