Fairy Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1950–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fairy Lake was last stocked August 4, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Fairy Lake has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1950–2025, with about 61,897 fish stocked over that period.
When Fairy Lake is stocked
Fairy Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fairy 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 Fairy 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 Fairy Lake was last stocked August 4, 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 Fairy 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 Fairy 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.
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 Fairy Lake, freshest activity first.
Bridger Bowl Pond
7 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1993
Hyalite Creek
11 mi3 species · 109 records
Last stocked July 1980
Reese Creek
10 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 1953
Quagle Creek
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1953
Frazier Creek
5 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1951
Fairy Creek
6 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 1951
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,205 | 3.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,008 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,012 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,040 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,052 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,118 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,160 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,140 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,014 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 770 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1965 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,248 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1962 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,260 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1961 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,020 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 3,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Fairy Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fairy Lake was last stocked August 4, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fairy Lake?
Fairy Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Fairy Lake stocked?
Fairy Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Fairy Lake stocked?
Fairy Lake is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1950 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Fairy Lake?
About 61,897 fish have been stocked in Fairy Lake across 26 recorded events since 1950, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fairy Lake?
Fish stocked in Fairy Lake average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fairy 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 Fairy Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Fairy 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.