Savage Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Savage Lake was last stocked July 25, 2012 with Largemouth Bass. Savage Lake has 47 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–2012, with about 911,540 fish stocked over that period.
When Savage Lake is stocked
Savage Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Savage 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 Savage 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 Savage Lake was last stocked July 25, 2012, 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 Savage 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Savage 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.
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 Savage Lake, freshest activity first.
Troy Kids Pond
5 mi3 species · 214 records
Last stocked June 2026
Grouse Lake
6 mi2 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lower Sky Lake
8 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2021
Shannon Lake
2 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1989
O'Brien Creek
3 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 1978
North Fork Keeler Creek
7 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 7,900 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 7,900 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 7,900 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 5,300 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Brook Trout | 7,820 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,005 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,842 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1972 | Brook Trout | 4,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 39 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,015 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 801 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1966 | Brook Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,980 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1964 | Brook Trout | 51,660 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,480 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,778 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,725 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 36,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 78,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1955 | Cutthroat Trout | 77,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 16,084 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 25,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 25,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1949 | Arctic Grayling | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,320 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 1941 | Brook Trout | 130,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 72,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1935 | Coho Salmon | 12,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1933 | Coho Salmon | 38,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Savage Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Savage Lake was last stocked July 25, 2012 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Savage Lake?
Savage Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Savage Lake stocked?
Savage Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Savage Lake stocked?
Savage Lake is stocked intermittently — 47 recorded stockings between 1933 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Savage Lake?
About 911,540 fish have been stocked in Savage Lake across 47 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Savage Lake?
Fish stocked in Savage Lake average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Savage 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 Savage Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Savage 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.