Turtle Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Turtle Lake was last stocked May 21, 2008 with Cutthroat Trout. Turtle Lake has 47 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–2008, with about 165,985 fish stocked over that period.
When Turtle Lake is stocked
Turtle Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in April — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Turtle 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 Turtle 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 Turtle Lake was last stocked May 21, 2008, 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 Turtle 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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 Turtle 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Turtle Lake, freshest activity first.
Scout Lake
4 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 4
6 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Fatty Lake
7 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
South Woodward Cr Lake 2
7 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2024
Ducharme Lake
7 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2022
South Woodward Cr Lake 1
7 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,063 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,055 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,043 | 4.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,751 | 3.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,356 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,495 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,500 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 39 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,004 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,940 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,990 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 4,042 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,558 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 3,992 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,238 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,965 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 4,997 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 4, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,455 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,455 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,492 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,523 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1966 | Brook Trout | 4,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1964 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,289 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,488 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,240 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1933 | Largemouth Bass | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Turtle Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Turtle Lake was last stocked May 21, 2008 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Turtle Lake stocked?
Turtle Lake is typically stocked year-round, most often in April.
How often is Turtle Lake stocked?
Turtle Lake is stocked intermittently — 47 recorded stockings between 1933 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Turtle Lake?
About 165,985 fish have been stocked in Turtle Lake across 47 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Turtle Lake?
Fish stocked in Turtle Lake average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Turtle 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 Turtle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Turtle 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.