Spook Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spook Lake was last stocked June 7, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Spook Lake has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–2023, with about 26,406 fish stocked over that period.
When Spook Lake is stocked
Spook Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spook 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 Spook 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 Spook Lake was last stocked June 7, 2023, 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 Spook 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.
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 Spook 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 Spook Lake, freshest activity first.
Lindbergh Lake
4 mi4 species · 175 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lupine Lake
5 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked September 2024
Hemlock Lake
4 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2024
Herrick Run
4 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1975
Disappointment Lake
3 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1968
Picture Lake
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,003 | 5.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 950 | 5.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 4.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 6.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,100 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,018 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,020 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,269 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 590 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 912 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,100 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,034 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,008 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,302 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Spook Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spook Lake was last stocked June 7, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spook Lake?
Spook Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Spook Lake stocked?
Spook Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Spook Lake stocked?
Spook Lake is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1968 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Spook Lake?
About 26,406 fish have been stocked in Spook Lake across 26 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spook Lake?
Fish stocked in Spook Lake average about 4.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spook 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 Spook Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Spook 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.