Shannon Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shannon Lake was last stocked July 18, 1989 with Brook Trout. Shannon Lake has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–1989, with about 17,521 fish stocked over that period.
When Shannon Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shannon 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 Shannon 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 Shannon Lake was last stocked July 18, 1989, 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 Shannon 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.
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 Shannon 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 Shannon Lake, freshest activity first.
Troy Kids Pond
5 mi3 species · 214 records
Last stocked June 2026
Grouse Lake
8 mi2 species · 43 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lower Sky Lake
9 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2021
Savage Lake
2 mi6 species · 47 records
Last stocked July 2012
O'Brien Creek
3 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 1978
North Fork Keeler Creek
8 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 18, 1989 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1988 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1988 | Brook Trout | 1,560 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1985 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1983 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1981 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1978 | Brook Trout | 1,062 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1977 | Brook Trout | 1,001 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 1976 | Brook Trout | 1,698 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1975 | Brook Trout | 300 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1945 | Brook Trout | 6,900 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Shannon Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shannon Lake was last stocked July 18, 1989 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shannon Lake?
Shannon Lake is stocked with Brook Trout.
How often is Shannon Lake stocked?
Shannon Lake is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1945 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Shannon Lake?
About 17,521 fish have been stocked in Shannon Lake across 11 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shannon Lake?
Fish stocked in Shannon Lake average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shannon 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 Shannon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Shannon 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.