Timber Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1945–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Timber Lake was last stocked May 5, 2023 with Rainbow Trout. Timber Lake has 85 stocking records on file, spanning 1945–2023, with about 209,041 fish stocked over that period.
When Timber Lake is stocked
Timber Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in September — 28 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Timber 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 Timber 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 Timber Lake was last stocked May 5, 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 Timber 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.
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 Timber 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 Timber Lake, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
6 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bluebird Lake
10 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2024
Murphy Lake
8 mi5 species · 43 records
Last stocked August 2024
Frank Lake
1 mi4 species · 145 records
Last stocked May 2023
Olga Lake
7 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
Othorp Lake
5 mi2 species · 25 records
Last stocked September 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 299 | 7.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 6.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,236 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 7.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 7.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,701 | 7.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 7.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,117 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,183 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 585 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 372 | 7.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,341 | 7.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,165 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,839 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,375 | 2.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 86 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,036 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 9.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 972 | 9.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 972 | 9.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,521 | 5.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,276 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 3,192 | 3.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 3,304 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 3,280 | 3.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,549 | 3.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,037 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 3,018 | 4.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,795 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,516 | 6.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 183 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,210 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 4.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,324 | 4.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,027 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,213 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,021 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,948 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,024 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,012 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 3,074 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 85 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Timber Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Timber Lake was last stocked May 5, 2023 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Timber Lake?
Timber Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Timber Lake stocked?
Timber Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in September.
How often is Timber Lake stocked?
Timber Lake is stocked intermittently — 85 recorded stockings between 1945 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Timber Lake?
About 209,041 fish have been stocked in Timber Lake across 85 recorded events since 1945, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Timber Lake?
Fish stocked in Timber Lake average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Timber 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 Timber Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Timber 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.