Edith Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Edith Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Edith Lake has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2025, with about 133,354 fish stocked over that period.
When Edith Lake is stocked
Edith Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Edith 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 Edith 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 Edith 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 Edith 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.
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 Edith 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 Edith Lake, freshest activity first.
Indian Road Pond
5 mi2 species · 90 records
Last stocked May 2026
Weasel Lake
8 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked September 2025
Canyon Ferry Lake
8 mi7 species · 2261 records
Last stocked September 2025
Willow Creek
10 mi5 species · 262 records
Last stocked August 2007
Crazy Creek
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked November 2006
South Fork Crow Creek
6 mi3 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2006
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 998 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 998 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,015 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,007 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,010 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,058 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,240 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 960 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,056 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1967 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1964 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1964 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,480 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1953 | Arctic Grayling | 1,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 8,832 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 11,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1934 | Arctic Grayling | 43,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Edith Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Edith Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Edith Lake?
Edith Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Edith Lake stocked?
Edith Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Edith Lake stocked?
Edith Lake is stocked intermittently — 43 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Edith Lake?
About 133,354 fish have been stocked in Edith Lake across 43 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Edith Lake?
Fish stocked in Edith Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Edith 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 Edith Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Edith 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.