Topless Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Topless Lake was last stocked September 5, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Topless Lake has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2024, with about 79,292 fish stocked over that period.
When Topless Lake is stocked
Topless Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 22 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Topless 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 Topless 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 Topless Lake was last stocked September 5, 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 Topless 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.
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 Topless 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 Topless Lake, freshest activity first.
Lower Thompson Lake
7 mi6 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cibid Lake
0 mi2 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Leon Lake
1 mi5 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2026
Middle Thompson Lake
5 mi6 species · 153 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cad Lake
0 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2024
Upper Thompson Lake
3 mi4 species · 35 records
Last stocked June 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 1.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 748 | 1.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 756 | 1.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,300 | 1.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 541 | 2.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 128 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 23 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 526 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 995 | 3.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 538 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 3.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 505 | 5.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 508 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,112 | 3.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 515 | 3.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 4, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 446 | 3.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,290 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 502 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,068 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 540 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,004 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,067 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,030 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,016 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 2,023 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,036 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,554 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,024 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,970 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,700 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,989 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,016 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1970 | Arctic Grayling | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,045 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Topless Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Topless Lake was last stocked September 5, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Topless Lake?
Topless Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Topless Lake stocked?
Topless Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Topless Lake stocked?
Topless Lake is stocked intermittently — 46 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Topless Lake?
About 79,292 fish have been stocked in Topless Lake across 46 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Topless Lake?
Fish stocked in Topless Lake average about 3.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Topless 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 Topless Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Topless 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.