Crimson Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1988–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crimson Lake was last stocked August 23, 1988 with Cutthroat Trout. Crimson Lake has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1988–1988, with about 1,007 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Crimson 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 Crimson 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 Crimson Lake was last stocked August 23, 1988, 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 Crimson 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 Crimson 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 Crimson Lake, freshest activity first.
Cottonwood Lake, Middle
9 mi2 species · 38 records
Last stocked October 2025
Heart Lake
8 mi5 species · 38 records
Last stocked September 2025
Pyramid Lake
3 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2016
Cottonwood Lake, Lower
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2006
Devine Creek
1 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1997
Monture Creek Lake 1
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,007 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Crimson Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Crimson Lake was last stocked August 23, 1988 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Crimson Lake?
Crimson Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Crimson Lake stocked?
Crimson Lake is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1988 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Crimson Lake?
About 1,007 fish have been stocked in Crimson Lake across 1 recorded events since 1988, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Crimson Lake?
Fish stocked in Crimson Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Crimson 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 Crimson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Crimson 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.