Canyon Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1932–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Canyon Lake was last stocked August 16, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout. Canyon Lake has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1932–1990, with about 61,016 fish stocked over that period.
When Canyon Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Canyon 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 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 Lake was last stocked August 16, 1990, 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 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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 Canyon 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Canyon Lake, freshest activity first.
Bass Lake
11 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2021
Holloway Lake
11 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2021
Duffy Lake
11 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2021
Woodchuck Reservoir
10 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked January 2004
Burnt Fork Bitterroot River
1 mi4 species · 73 records
Last stocked August 1954
Gash Creek
11 mi1 species · 4 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 16, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 998 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,037 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,125 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,276 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 3,420 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,320 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 24, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 8,640 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 19,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1932 | Coho Salmon | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Canyon Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Canyon Lake was last stocked August 16, 1990 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Coho Salmon.
How often is Canyon Lake stocked?
Canyon Lake is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1932 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Canyon Lake?
About 61,016 fish have been stocked in Canyon Lake across 11 recorded events since 1932, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Canyon Lake?
Fish stocked in Canyon Lake average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Canyon 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 Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Canyon 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.