Schmidt Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schmidt Lake was last stocked August 9, 1969 with Largemouth Bass. Schmidt Lake has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1969, with about 8,633 fish stocked over that period.
When Schmidt Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Schmidt 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 Schmidt 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 Schmidt Lake was last stocked August 9, 1969, 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 Schmidt 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.
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 Schmidt 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 Schmidt Lake, freshest activity first.
Broadview Pond
9 mi12 species · 158 records
Last stocked May 2026
Popelka Pond
13 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2025
Aldrich Pond
17 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1988
Jorgenson Pond
8 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1985
Brown Lake
7 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked October 1957
Keefer Pond 3
13 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1956
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 9, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Brook Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1948 | Bluegill | 75 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1948 | Largemouth Bass | 75 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,333 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Schmidt Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Schmidt Lake was last stocked August 9, 1969 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Schmidt Lake?
Schmidt Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, and Bluegill.
How often is Schmidt Lake stocked?
Schmidt Lake is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Schmidt Lake?
About 8,633 fish have been stocked in Schmidt Lake across 6 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Schmidt Lake?
Fish stocked in Schmidt Lake average about 2.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Schmidt 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 Schmidt Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Schmidt 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.