Shoup Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1984–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shoup Lake was last stocked July 10, 1986 with Rainbow Trout. Shoup Lake has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1984–1986, with about 10,470 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Shoup 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 Shoup 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 Shoup Lake was last stocked July 10, 1986, 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 Shoup 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.
Recommended Tackle for Shoup 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 Shoup Lake, freshest activity first.
Cottonwood Lake, Middle
9 mi2 species · 38 records
Last stocked October 2025
Upsata Lake
2 mi2 species · 61 records
Last stocked September 2024
Cottonwood Lake, Lower
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2006
Big Creek
7 mi6 species · 237 records
Last stocked August 1995
North Fork Blackfoot River
8 mi2 species · 71 records
Last stocked June 1992
Kleinschmidt Creek
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,424 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,046 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Shoup Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Shoup Lake was last stocked July 10, 1986 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Shoup Lake?
Shoup Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Shoup Lake stocked?
Shoup Lake is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1984 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Shoup Lake?
About 10,470 fish have been stocked in Shoup Lake across 3 recorded events since 1984, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Shoup Lake?
Fish stocked in Shoup Lake average about 6.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Shoup 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 Shoup Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Shoup 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.