Almeda Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Almeda Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Almeda Lake has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2024, with about 24,670 fish stocked over that period.
When Almeda Lake is stocked
Almeda Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Almeda 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 Almeda 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 Almeda Lake was last stocked August 4, 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 Almeda 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 Almeda 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 Almeda Lake, freshest activity first.
Felix Creek
5 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1994
Upper Sheep Creek Lake
4 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1993
Hungry Horse Reservoir
5 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked October 1990
McInernie Creek
6 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 1990
Tunnel Creek Lake
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1969
Marion Lake
2 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 283 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,066 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,989 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,084 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,998 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,016 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,484 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Almeda Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Almeda Lake was last stocked August 4, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Almeda Lake?
Almeda Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Almeda Lake stocked?
Almeda Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Almeda Lake stocked?
Almeda Lake is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Almeda Lake?
About 24,670 fish have been stocked in Almeda Lake across 13 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Almeda Lake?
Fish stocked in Almeda Lake average about 1.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Almeda 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 Almeda Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Almeda 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.