Shay Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1941–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shay Lake was last stocked June 24, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Shay Lake has 77 stocking records on file, spanning 1941–2025, with about 241,854 fish stocked over that period.
When Shay Lake is stocked
Shay Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shay 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 Shay 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 Shay Lake was last stocked June 24, 2025, 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 Shay 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.
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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Shay 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.
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 Shay Lake, freshest activity first.
Van Lake
3 mi2 species · 134 records
Last stocked June 2026
Peck Lake
5 mi3 species · 46 records
Last stocked June 2025
Fatty Lake
5 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 2
5 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 4
6 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 3
3 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,024 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 3.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 3.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,198 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,009 | 4.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 4.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,229 | 3.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 3,120 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 4.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,065 | 4.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 3,200 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 3,200 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,014 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,284 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 1,650 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,313 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 950 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 986 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1997 | Arctic Grayling | 3,140 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1995 | Arctic Grayling | 3,860 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,008 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,062 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1993 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,982 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1992 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 0.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,037 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1991 | Arctic Grayling | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 653 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 945 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 403 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1987 | Arctic Grayling | 40,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,008 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,012 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 77 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Shay Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shay Lake was last stocked June 24, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shay Lake?
Shay Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Shay Lake stocked?
Shay Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Shay Lake stocked?
Shay Lake is stocked intermittently — 77 recorded stockings between 1941 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Shay Lake?
About 241,854 fish have been stocked in Shay Lake across 77 recorded events since 1941, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shay Lake?
Fish stocked in Shay Lake average about 3.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shay 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 Shay Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Shay 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.