StockedWaters

Summit Lake2 Fish Stocking

Montana · 1932–1978 on record

Source: Montana fish & wildlife agency· updated 1978-09-14

According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Summit Lake2 was last stocked September 14, 1978 with Cutthroat Trout. Summit Lake2 has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1978, with about 85,397 fish stocked over that period.

September 14, 1978
Last stocked
85,397
Fish stocked
2
Species
7
Stocking records

When Summit Lake2 is stocked

How Summit Lake2's stockings spread across the calendar year.

Angler's Field Guide

Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Summit Lake2

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 Lake2, 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 Lake2 was last stocked September 14, 1978, 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 Lake2:

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.

Rainbow Trout Profile Tips

The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.

Recommended Tackle for Summit Lake2

Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.

Hatchery Trout FavoriteBerkley

Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough

Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.

Top Casting LurePanther Martin

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.

Essential RiggingEagle Claw

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 Summit Lake2, freshest activity first.

Stocking history

Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.

DateSpeciesNumberSizeSource
September 14, 1978Cutthroat Trout14,0002"Montana fish & wildlife agency
September 10, 1975Cutthroat Trout13,9602"Montana fish & wildlife agency
September 15, 1969Cutthroat Trout14,2451"Montana fish & wildlife agency
July 18, 1968Cutthroat Trout7,1921"Montana fish & wildlife agency
August 18, 1940Rainbow Trout22,0002"Montana fish & wildlife agency
August 11, 1940Rainbow Trout9,0002"Montana fish & wildlife agency
October 30, 1932Cutthroat Trout5,0003"Montana fish & wildlife agency

Frequently asked

When was Summit Lake2 last stocked?

According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Summit Lake2 was last stocked September 14, 1978 with Cutthroat Trout.

What fish species are stocked in Summit Lake2?

Summit Lake2 is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.

How often is Summit Lake2 stocked?

Summit Lake2 is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1978.

How many fish have been stocked in Summit Lake2?

About 85,397 fish have been stocked in Summit Lake2 across 7 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.

What size are the fish stocked in Summit Lake2?

Fish stocked in Summit Lake2 average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.

Do you need a fishing license to fish Summit Lake2?

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 Lake2?

Freshly stocked trout in Summit Lake2 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.