Spoon Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–2017 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spoon Lake was last stocked June 3, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout. Spoon Lake has 105 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–2017, with about 638,037 fish stocked over that period.
When Spoon Lake is stocked
Spoon Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 45 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Spoon 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 Spoon 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 Spoon Lake was last stocked June 3, 2017, 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 Spoon 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.
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 Spoon 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 Spoon Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Five
6 mi8 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Halfmoon Lake
6 mi5 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2026
Rivers Edge Pond
7 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 2025
Montana Veterans Home Pond
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2000
Taylor Spring Creek
7 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2000
Lake West
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1969
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,655 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 19,822 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,858 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,010 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 706 | 9.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 708 | 4.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,535 | 8.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,888 | 4.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 238 | 7.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 8.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,482 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,115 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,514 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 505 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,728 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 333 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,976 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 311 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,731 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,176 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,312 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,135 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,041 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,302 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 933 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,068 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,842 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,022 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,001 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,998 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,954 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,999 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,011 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,952 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,007 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,004 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,009 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,024 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,060 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,835 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 105 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Spoon Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Spoon Lake was last stocked June 3, 2017 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Spoon Lake?
Spoon Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Spoon Lake stocked?
Spoon Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Spoon Lake stocked?
Spoon Lake is stocked intermittently — 105 recorded stockings between 1924 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Spoon Lake?
About 638,037 fish have been stocked in Spoon Lake across 105 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Spoon Lake?
Fish stocked in Spoon Lake average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Spoon 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 Spoon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Spoon 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.