Scat Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–2017 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Scat Lake was last stocked September 11, 2017 with Golden Trout. Scat Lake has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2017, with about 9,419 fish stocked over that period.
When Scat Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Scat 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 Scat 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 Scat Lake was last stocked September 11, 2017, 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 Scat 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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Scat 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 Scat Lake, freshest activity first.
Desolation Lake
3 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked October 2025
Big Butte Lake
3 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked October 2025
Little Arch Lake
3 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
Lake Of The Winds
4 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Rock Tree Lake
4 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2024
Moon Lake
3 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 11, 2017 | Golden Trout | 700 | 1.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2012 | Golden Trout | 700 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 2009 | Golden Trout | 750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2007 | Golden Trout | 700 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2005 | Golden Trout | 700 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2005 | Golden Trout | 500 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1992 | Golden Trout | 457 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1991 | Golden Trout | 721 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1991 | Golden Trout | 351 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1982 | Golden Trout | 3,840 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Scat Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Scat Lake was last stocked September 11, 2017 with Golden Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Scat Lake?
Scat Lake is stocked with Golden Trout.
How often is Scat Lake stocked?
Scat Lake is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Scat Lake?
About 9,419 fish have been stocked in Scat Lake across 10 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Scat Lake?
Fish stocked in Scat Lake average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Scat 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 Scat Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Scat 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.