Ennis Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ennis Lake was last stocked June 2, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Ennis Lake has 351 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1994, with about 1,768,674 fish stocked over that period.
When Ennis Lake is stocked
Ennis Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 206 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ennis 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 Ennis 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 Ennis Lake was last stocked June 2, 1994, 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 Ennis 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.
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 Ennis 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 Ennis Lake, freshest activity first.
Chiquita Lake
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2023
Ennis Kids Pond
5 mi1 species · 199 records
Last stocked June 2008
Odell Creek
9 mi3 species · 48 records
Last stocked June 1992
Jack Creek
1 mi2 species · 119 records
Last stocked August 1984
Brentin Lake
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1960
Blaine Spring Creek
9 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 1956
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 168 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,987 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,584 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 4,087 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,475 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,315 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,872 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 83 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 243 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 7, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 7, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 435 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,940 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,335 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 33,961 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 380 | 20.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 10,100 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 16.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 16.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 575 | 19.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 418 | 20.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 356 | 20.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 15.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,110 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,110 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 18.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 36,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,962 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 60,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 12,087 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 23.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 23.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 34 | 26.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 826 | 18.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 169 | 27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 46 | 23.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 59 | 14.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 92 | 23.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 21.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 28, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,600 | 14.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 21,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 62,627 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 351 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Ennis Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ennis Lake was last stocked June 2, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ennis Lake?
Ennis Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Ennis Lake stocked?
Ennis Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Ennis Lake stocked?
Ennis Lake has been stocked about 5 times a year — 351 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Ennis Lake?
About 1,768,674 fish have been stocked in Ennis Lake across 351 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ennis Lake?
Fish stocked in Ennis Lake average about 10.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ennis 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 Ennis Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Ennis 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.