Desolation Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Desolation Lake was last stocked October 7, 2025 with Golden Trout. Desolation Lake has 10 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2025, with about 28,487 fish stocked over that period.
When Desolation Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Desolation 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 Desolation 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 Desolation Lake was last stocked October 7, 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 Desolation 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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Desolation 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 Desolation Lake, freshest activity first.
Big Butte Lake
1 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked October 2025
Lake Of The Winds
2 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Rock Tree Lake
1 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2024
Gallery Lake
2 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2022
Jasper Lake
2 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lake Of The Clouds
3 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 7, 2025 | Golden Trout | 3,000 | 1.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2017 | Golden Trout | 3,140 | 1.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2012 | Golden Trout | 3,100 | 0.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2005 | Golden Trout | 3,140 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1992 | Golden Trout | 2,048 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1991 | Golden Trout | 1,245 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1991 | Golden Trout | 784 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1982 | Golden Trout | 3,250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 2 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 1982 | Golden Trout | 3,250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1982 | Golden Trout | 5,530 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Desolation Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Desolation Lake was last stocked October 7, 2025 with Golden Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Desolation Lake?
Desolation Lake is stocked with Golden Trout.
How often is Desolation Lake stocked?
Desolation Lake is stocked intermittently — 10 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Desolation Lake?
About 28,487 fish have been stocked in Desolation Lake across 10 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Desolation Lake?
Fish stocked in Desolation Lake average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Desolation 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 Desolation Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Desolation 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.