Stony Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stony Lake was last stocked August 13, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Stony Lake has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–2024, with about 69,763 fish stocked over that period.
When Stony Lake is stocked
Stony Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stony 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 Stony 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 Stony Lake was last stocked August 13, 2024, 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 Stony 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 Stony 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 Stony Lake, freshest activity first.
Little Terrace Lake
4 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Deer Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Arrowhead Lake
4 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2022
Lawn Lake
5 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2022
Duckhead Lake
5 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2022
Prospect Creek
10 mi4 species · 69 records
Last stocked December 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,004 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 5,995 | 1.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 6,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 991 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,003 | 0.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,220 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,025 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,025 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,999 | 1.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,989 | 1.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,080 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,298 | 1.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,983 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,044 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,035 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,040 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,980 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,052 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1939 | Cutthroat Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stony Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stony Lake was last stocked August 13, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stony Lake?
Stony Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Stony Lake stocked?
Stony Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Stony Lake stocked?
Stony Lake is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1939 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Stony Lake?
About 69,763 fish have been stocked in Stony Lake across 23 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stony Lake?
Fish stocked in Stony Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stony 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 Stony Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Stony 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.