Canyon Ferry Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1953–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Canyon Ferry Lake was last stocked September 26, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Canyon Ferry Lake has 2,261 stocking records on file, spanning 1953–2025, with about 44,854,310 fish stocked over that period.
When Canyon Ferry Lake is stocked
Canyon Ferry Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October — 174 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Canyon Ferry 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 Canyon Ferry 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 Canyon Ferry Lake was last stocked September 26, 2025, 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 Canyon Ferry 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.
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 Canyon Ferry 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 Canyon Ferry Lake, freshest activity first.
Indian Road Pond
7 mi2 species · 90 records
Last stocked May 2026
Weasel Lake
5 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2025
Edith Lake
8 mi3 species · 43 records
Last stocked September 2025
Camas Lake
14 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2017
Rock Creek
14 mi6 species · 595 records
Last stocked May 2013
Willow Creek
4 mi5 species · 262 records
Last stocked August 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15,377 | 7.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15,288 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 16,800 | 7.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 14,561 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 14,892 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 18,060 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,694 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,344 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,442 | 7.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,299 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,643 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,189 | 7.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,756 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,700 | 8.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 11,956 | 7.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,466 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 918 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 10,877 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,704 | 7.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 14,234 | 7.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 14,688 | 7.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 12,624 | 7.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,056 | 7.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 13,328 | 7.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,480 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,968 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,116 | 8.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 8,796 | 8.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,634 | 8.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,402 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,902 | 8.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,647 | 8.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,405 | 8.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,847 | 8.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,249 | 8.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,581 | 8.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,292 | 8.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,504 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,528 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,504 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,923 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,311 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,096 | 8.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,336 | 8.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,018 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,124 | 8.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 11,259 | 8.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,961 | 8.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Canyon Ferry Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Canyon Ferry Lake was last stocked September 26, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Canyon Ferry Lake?
Canyon Ferry Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Canyon Ferry Lake stocked?
Canyon Ferry Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in October.
How often is Canyon Ferry Lake stocked?
Canyon Ferry Lake has been stocked about 31 times a year — 2,261 recorded stockings between 1953 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Canyon Ferry Lake?
About 44,854,310 fish have been stocked in Canyon Ferry Lake across 2,261 recorded events since 1953, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Canyon Ferry Lake?
Fish stocked in Canyon Ferry Lake average about 7.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Canyon Ferry 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 Canyon Ferry Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Canyon Ferry 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.