Summit Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–1970 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Summit Lake was last stocked September 30, 1970 with Arctic Grayling. Summit Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–1970, with about 86,100 fish stocked over that period.
When Summit Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Summit 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 Summit 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 Summit Lake was last stocked September 30, 1970, 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 Summit 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.
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).
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Summit 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Summit Lake, freshest activity first.
Holland Lake
5 mi4 species · 151 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lindbergh Lake
5 mi4 species · 175 records
Last stocked September 2025
Lake Alva
5 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2025
Pierce Lake
1 mi2 species · 48 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rainy Lake
3 mi5 species · 56 records
Last stocked June 2025
Clearwater Lake
3 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 1970 | Arctic Grayling | 10,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1970 | Arctic Grayling | 30,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1969 | Arctic Grayling | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1939 | Salmon | 24,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Summit Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Summit Lake was last stocked September 30, 1970 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Summit Lake?
Summit Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Salmon.
How often is Summit Lake stocked?
Summit Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1939 and 1970.
How many fish have been stocked in Summit Lake?
About 86,100 fish have been stocked in Summit Lake across 9 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Summit Lake?
Fish stocked in Summit Lake average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Summit 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 Summit Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Summit 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.