Wood Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wood Lake was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Wood Lake has 107 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2026, with about 810,275 fish stocked over that period.
When Wood Lake is stocked
Wood Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 50 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Wood 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 Wood 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 Wood Lake was last stocked May 21, 2026, 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 Wood 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 Wood 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 Wood Lake, freshest activity first.
Spring Creek
8 mi6 species · 624 records
Last stocked July 2011
North Fork Ford Creek
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2005
Bean Lake
8 mi4 species · 124 records
Last stocked July 2005
Elk Creek
10 mi4 species · 270 records
Last stocked July 2000
Meridith Lake
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1967
Ford Creek
10 mi3 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 1965
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,475 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,572 | 5.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 5.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 9.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 4.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 5.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,940 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,014 | 5.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,997 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,140 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 107 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Wood Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Wood Lake was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Wood Lake?
Wood Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Trout (unspecified), Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Wood Lake stocked?
Wood Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Wood Lake stocked?
Wood Lake is stocked intermittently — 107 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Wood Lake?
About 810,275 fish have been stocked in Wood Lake across 107 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Wood Lake?
Fish stocked in Wood Lake average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Wood 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 Wood Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Wood 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.