Spill Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1968 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spill Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968 with Rainbow Trout. Spill Lake has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1968, with about 162,916 fish stocked over that period.
When Spill Lake is stocked
Spill Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spill 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 Spill 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 Spill Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968, 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 Spill 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Spill 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 Spill Lake, freshest activity first.
Mcgilvray Lake
1 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2006
Sawdust Lake
3 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 1970
East Bass Lake
3 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 1968
Basham Lake
1 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1968
Grayling Lake Number One
1 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 1966
Pratt Lake
3 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked April 1966
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 920 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,032 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 99,849 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 1,993 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 1,984 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1954 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1953 | Brook Trout | 294 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1952 | Arctic Grayling | 37,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 2,880 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1949 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Spill Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spill Lake was last stocked May 7, 1968 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spill Lake?
Spill Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Spill Lake stocked?
Spill Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Spill Lake stocked?
Spill Lake is stocked intermittently — 20 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1968.
How many fish have been stocked in Spill Lake?
About 162,916 fish have been stocked in Spill Lake across 20 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spill Lake?
Fish stocked in Spill Lake average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spill 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 Spill Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Spill 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.