Ester Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1954–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ester Lake was last stocked July 13, 2023 with Walleye. Ester Lake has 41 stocking records on file, spanning 1954–2023, with about 1,962,606 fish stocked over that period.
When Ester Lake is stocked
Ester Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ester 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 Ester 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 Ester Lake was last stocked July 13, 2023, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Ester Lake:
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Ester Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Ester Lake, freshest activity first.
Reservoir Number 161
9 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2024
Doll Pond
4 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2017
Little Warm Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2016
Empire Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2012
Wild Horse Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2010
Unnamed Pond
11 mi6 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2023 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2022 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2021 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2020 | Walleye | 4,203 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2019 | Walleye | 4,505 | 1.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2018 | Walleye | 4,006 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2017 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2016 | Walleye | 4,031 | 1.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 33 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2015 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2014 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2013 | Walleye | 4,001 | 1.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2012 | Walleye | 4,084 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2011 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2010 | Walleye | 3,999 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2009 | Walleye | 4,054 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2007 | Walleye | 3,952 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2005 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2004 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2002 | Walleye | 4,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2000 | Walleye | 300,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2000 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1998 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1996 | Walleye | 7,099 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1994 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1993 | Walleye | 7,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1984 | Walleye | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1977 | Walleye | 7,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1976 | Northern Pike | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Northern Pike | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1965 | Walleye | 750,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1963 | Walleye | 64,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1961 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1961 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1960 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1960 | Northern Pike | 20,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1958 | Northern Pike | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1957 | Walleye | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1956 | Walleye | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1954 | Northern Pike | 40,172 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ester Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ester Lake was last stocked July 13, 2023 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Ester Lake?
Ester Lake is stocked with Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike.
What time of year is Ester Lake stocked?
Ester Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Ester Lake stocked?
Ester Lake is stocked intermittently — 41 recorded stockings between 1954 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Ester Lake?
About 1,962,606 fish have been stocked in Ester Lake across 41 recorded events since 1954, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ester Lake?
Fish stocked in Ester Lake average about 1.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ester 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.