Shadow Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–2021 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shadow Lake was last stocked July 27, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout. Shadow Lake has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–2021, with about 59,007 fish stocked over that period.
When Shadow Lake is stocked
Shadow Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shadow 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 Shadow 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 Shadow Lake was last stocked July 27, 2021, 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 Shadow 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Shadow 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 Shadow Lake, freshest activity first.
Rainbow Lake #4
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake #3
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake #2
4 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake 5
4 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainbow Lake 6
5 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked June 2025
Sunken Rock Lake
5 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 220 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 160 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 442 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 315 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 334 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 334 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 334 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,408 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 5,800 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 16,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 27,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Shadow Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shadow Lake was last stocked July 27, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shadow Lake?
Shadow Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Shadow Lake stocked?
Shadow Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Shadow Lake stocked?
Shadow Lake is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1936 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Shadow Lake?
About 59,007 fish have been stocked in Shadow Lake across 31 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shadow Lake?
Fish stocked in Shadow Lake average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shadow 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 Shadow Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Shadow 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.