Running Crane Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1953–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Running Crane Lake was last stocked October 3, 1967 with Rainbow Trout. Running Crane Lake has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 1953–1967, with about 68,897 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Running Crane 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 Running Crane 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 Running Crane Lake was last stocked October 3, 1967, 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 Running Crane 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 Running Crane 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 Running Crane Lake, freshest activity first.
Duck Lake
18 mi7 species · 243 records
Last stocked May 2026
Upper Two Medicine Lake
6 mi3 species · 115 records
Last stocked May 2007
Lower Saint Mary Lake
18 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2006
St. Mary Lake
11 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2004
Flattop Lake
17 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2003
Toad Creek
18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 3, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 5,045 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 8,652 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 17,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1953 | Brook Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Running Crane Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Running Crane Lake was last stocked October 3, 1967 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Running Crane Lake?
Running Crane Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
How often is Running Crane Lake stocked?
Running Crane Lake is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 1953 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Running Crane Lake?
About 68,897 fish have been stocked in Running Crane Lake across 5 recorded events since 1953, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Running Crane Lake?
Fish stocked in Running Crane Lake average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Running Crane 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 Running Crane Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Running Crane 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.