East Rosebud Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. East Rosebud Lake has 168 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2025, with about 1,386,547 fish stocked over that period.
When East Rosebud Lake is stocked
East Rosebud Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 51 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 18, 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 East Rosebud 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.
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 East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Lake, freshest activity first.
West Rosebud Lake
5 mi3 species · 201 records
Last stocked June 2026
Little Arch Lake
5 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
Dude Lake
5 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2023
Bowback Lake
5 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2020
Snow Lake, Lower
3 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1993
Froze-to-death Lake
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,077 | 8.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 7.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,007 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,065 | 7.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | 8.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,826 | 6.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,843 | 6.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,822 | 6.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,088 | 6.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,067 | 6.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,012 | 7.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,533 | 6.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,012 | 7.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 6.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,004 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 6.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,017 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,995 | 7.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 7.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,005 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,034 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,794 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | 8.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 9.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 9.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,004 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,015 | 7.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 8.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,011 | 7.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 7.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,008 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,095 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 7.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,004 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,862 | 8.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,943 | 7.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,939 | 7.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,044 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 168 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was East Rosebud Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, East Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 18, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in East Rosebud Lake?
East Rosebud Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is East Rosebud Lake stocked?
East Rosebud Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is East Rosebud Lake stocked?
East Rosebud Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 168 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in East Rosebud Lake?
About 1,386,547 fish have been stocked in East Rosebud Lake across 168 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in East Rosebud Lake?
Fish stocked in East Rosebud Lake average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish East Rosebud 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 East Rosebud Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in East Rosebud 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.