Estes Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–1987 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Estes Lake was last stocked July 29, 1987 with Rainbow Trout. Estes Lake has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–1987, with about 12,073 fish stocked over that period.
When Estes Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Estes 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 Estes 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 Estes Lake was last stocked July 29, 1987, 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 Estes 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Estes 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 Estes Lake, freshest activity first.
Lost Lake
6 mi4 species · 96 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tom Tom Lake
9 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2024
Swan Lake
8 mi4 species · 170 records
Last stocked June 2007
Flathead Lake
7 mi14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Elliot Creek
8 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 1997
Swan River
4 mi3 species · 299 records
Last stocked September 1992
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,350 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,023 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1967 | Brook Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1962 | Brook Trout | 3,300 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 14, 1959 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Estes Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Estes Lake was last stocked July 29, 1987 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Estes Lake?
Estes Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
How often is Estes Lake stocked?
Estes Lake is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1959 and 1987.
How many fish have been stocked in Estes Lake?
About 12,073 fish have been stocked in Estes Lake across 6 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Estes Lake?
Fish stocked in Estes Lake average about 5.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Estes 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 Estes Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Estes 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.