Ferguson Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ferguson Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Ferguson Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–2024, with about 82,583 fish stocked over that period.
When Ferguson Lake is stocked
Ferguson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024, 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson Lake, freshest activity first.
Harrison Lake
9 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Johanna Lake
3 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stone Lakes 3
9 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stone Lakes
10 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Foolhen Lake
4 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked November 2021
Wise River
9 mi3 species · 162 records
Last stocked July 1988
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,010 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,513 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,030 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 5,120 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1940 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1938 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ferguson Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ferguson Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ferguson Lake?
Ferguson Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Ferguson Lake stocked?
Ferguson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Ferguson Lake stocked?
Ferguson Lake is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1938 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Ferguson Lake?
About 82,583 fish have been stocked in Ferguson Lake across 24 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ferguson Lake?
Fish stocked in Ferguson Lake average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ferguson 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 Ferguson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Ferguson 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.