Aldridge Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1993 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Aldridge Lake was last stocked August 11, 1993 with Cutthroat Trout. Aldridge Lake has 27 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1993, with about 220,922 fish stocked over that period.
When Aldridge Lake is stocked
Aldridge Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Aldridge 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 Aldridge 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 Aldridge Lake was last stocked August 11, 1993, 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 Aldridge 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.
Recommended Tackle for Aldridge 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 Aldridge Lake, freshest activity first.
Ovis Lake
10 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2016
Yankee Jim Lake
5 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2005
Sedge Lake
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1997
Ferrell Lake
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1997
Beaver Ponds
4 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1981
North Fork Bear Creek
9 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 1963
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,015 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,002 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,035 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1965 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1965 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,204 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 19 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,292 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,506 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,260 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,420 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,038 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,520 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,240 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1945 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,650 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1944 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,840 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 84,800 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Aldridge Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Aldridge Lake was last stocked August 11, 1993 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Aldridge Lake?
Aldridge Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Aldridge Lake stocked?
Aldridge Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Aldridge Lake stocked?
Aldridge Lake is stocked intermittently — 27 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1993.
How many fish have been stocked in Aldridge Lake?
About 220,922 fish have been stocked in Aldridge Lake across 27 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Aldridge Lake?
Fish stocked in Aldridge Lake average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Aldridge 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 Aldridge Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Aldridge 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.