Castle Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Castle Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Castle Lake has 47 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2025, with about 101,309 fish stocked over that period.
When Castle Lake is stocked
Castle Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Castle 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 Castle 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 Castle Lake was last stocked September 17, 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 Castle 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Castle 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 Castle Lake, freshest activity first.
East Fork Reservoir
7 mi4 species · 240 records
Last stocked August 2025
Hound Creek Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2015
Wildcat Creek
15 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2011
Sheep Creek
13 mi4 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2008
Mill Coulee
8 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1961
Tenderfoot Creek
13 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked August 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 12.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,506 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 94 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 39 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,512 | 1.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,580 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,496 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,940 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,509 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,036 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 507 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 267 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 282 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,072 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 508 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 480 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,844 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1966 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,584 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1961 | Arctic Grayling | 684 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 9,360 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Castle Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Castle Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Castle Lake?
Castle Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is stocked intermittently — 47 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Castle Lake?
About 101,309 fish have been stocked in Castle Lake across 47 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Castle Lake?
Fish stocked in Castle Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Castle 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 Castle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Castle 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.