Upsata Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Upsata Lake was last stocked September 3, 2024 with Largemouth Bass. Upsata Lake has 61 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–2024, with about 400,825 fish stocked over that period.
When Upsata Lake is stocked
Upsata Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 23 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Upsata 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 Upsata 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 Upsata Lake was last stocked September 3, 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 Upsata 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Upsata 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.
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 Upsata Lake, freshest activity first.
Harpers Lake
8 mi5 species · 505 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cottonwood Lake, Lower
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2006
Big Creek
6 mi6 species · 237 records
Last stocked August 1995
North Fork Blackfoot River
8 mi2 species · 71 records
Last stocked June 1992
Shoup Lake
2 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1986
Neal Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1981
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 3, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 2,691 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 220 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 16, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | 15.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 378 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 425 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 2,313 | 9.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 397 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 397 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,485 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 208 | 14.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 208 | 14.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 24.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 19.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 11.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,195 | 9.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 10,848 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 10,960 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 10,028 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 10,229 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 10,170 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 10,070 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 10,050 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 10,100 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 209 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 10,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 10,023 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 10,082 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 318 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 10,080 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 180 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 9,326 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 10,084 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 12,120 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 23,296 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,508 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 17,608 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 61 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Upsata Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Upsata Lake was last stocked September 3, 2024 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Upsata Lake?
Upsata Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Upsata Lake stocked?
Upsata Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Upsata Lake stocked?
Upsata Lake is stocked intermittently — 61 recorded stockings between 1959 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Upsata Lake?
About 400,825 fish have been stocked in Upsata Lake across 61 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Upsata Lake?
Fish stocked in Upsata Lake average about 8.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Upsata 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 Upsata Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Upsata 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.