Bluebird Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1937–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bluebird Lake was last stocked August 15, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Bluebird Lake has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1937–2024, with about 50,445 fish stocked over that period.
When Bluebird Lake is stocked
Bluebird 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 Bluebird 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 Bluebird 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 Bluebird Lake was last stocked August 15, 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 Bluebird 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 Bluebird 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 Bluebird Lake, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
7 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Moran Lake
8 mi3 species · 117 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
8 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Little Therriault Lake
2 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Big Therriault Lake
3 mi3 species · 50 records
Last stocked August 2024
Lower Wolverine Lake
2 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 509 | 1.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 522 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 574 | 1.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 522 | 1.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 390 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 534 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 542 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 549 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,012 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,432 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,529 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,164 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1937 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,766 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bluebird Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bluebird Lake was last stocked August 15, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bluebird Lake?
Bluebird Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Bluebird Lake stocked?
Bluebird Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Bluebird Lake stocked?
Bluebird Lake is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1937 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Bluebird Lake?
About 50,445 fish have been stocked in Bluebird Lake across 19 recorded events since 1937, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bluebird Lake?
Fish stocked in Bluebird Lake average about 1.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bluebird 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 Bluebird Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bluebird 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.