Split Rock Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2006 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Split Rock Lake was last stocked May 13, 2006 with Northern Pike. Split Rock Lake has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2006, with about 76,981 fish stocked over that period.
When Split Rock Lake is stocked
Split Rock Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Split Rock 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 Split Rock 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 Split Rock Lake was last stocked May 13, 2006, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Split Rock Lake:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Split Rock Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Split Rock Lake, freshest activity first.
Tunnel Lake
4 mi6 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pishkun Reservoir
3 mi8 species · 289 records
Last stocked May 2026
Clemons Coulee Reservoir
9 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
Swazee Lake
9 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked May 2025
Dickens Lake
7 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2024
Clark Creek
3 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 1993
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2006 | Northern Pike | 1,056 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2005 | Northern Pike | 68 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Northern Pike | 125 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2005 | Northern Pike | 152 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2005 | Northern Pike | 109 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2005 | Northern Pike | 122 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2005 | Northern Pike | 118 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2005 | Northern Pike | 19 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2005 | Northern Pike | 68 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2005 | Northern Pike | 50 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2005 | Northern Pike | 27 | 0.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1944 | Bluegill | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1944 | Crappie | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1934 | Bullhead | 1,575 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 6,300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1933 | Crappie | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1933 | Bullhead | 17 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1933 | Yellow Perch | 1,575 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1933 | Crappie | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 1933 | Bluegill | 2,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1933 | Coho Salmon | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1928 | Chinook Salmon | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1928 | Chinook Salmon | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1928 | Chinook Salmon | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1928 | Chinook Salmon | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Split Rock Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Split Rock Lake was last stocked May 13, 2006 with Northern Pike.
What fish species are stocked in Split Rock Lake?
Split Rock Lake is stocked with Northern Pike, Bluegill, Crappie, Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Coho Salmon, and Chinook Salmon.
What time of year is Split Rock Lake stocked?
Split Rock Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in October.
How often is Split Rock Lake stocked?
Split Rock Lake is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2006.
How many fish have been stocked in Split Rock Lake?
About 76,981 fish have been stocked in Split Rock Lake across 29 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Split Rock Lake?
Fish stocked in Split Rock Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Split Rock 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.