Flathead Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–1997 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Flathead Lake was last stocked October 1, 1997 with Kokanee. Flathead Lake has 1,161 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–1997, with about 107,477,002 fish stocked over that period.
When Flathead Lake is stocked
Flathead Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 210 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Flathead 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 Flathead 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 Flathead Lake was last stocked October 1, 1997, 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 Flathead 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.
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Flathead 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.
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.
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 Flathead Lake, freshest activity first.
Lost Lake
6 mi4 species · 96 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bailey Lake
9 mi2 species · 57 records
Last stocked July 2023
Ronan Creek
4 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2002
Sullivan Creek
10 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked August 1995
Swan River
10 mi3 species · 299 records
Last stocked September 1992
Estes Lake
7 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 1997 | Kokanee | 2,347 | 14.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1997 | Kokanee | 41,951 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1997 | Kokanee | 750,389 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1997 | Kokanee | 708,798 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1996 | Kokanee | 219,627 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,019 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,755 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,010 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,469 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1996 | Kokanee | 938,629 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1995 | Kokanee | 408,578 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,380 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,864 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,280 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,360 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1995 | Kokanee | 501,572 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,942 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1994 | Kokanee | 25,316 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1994 | Kokanee | 14,984 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1994 | Kokanee | 48,678 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 41,221 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 42,053 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 13,372 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 42,154 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 16,313 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1994 | Kokanee | 16,480 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 16,136 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 46,570 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 41,450 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 36,995 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 15,046 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Kokanee | 16,164 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 44,635 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 14,240 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 15,172 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 41,819 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 16,187 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1994 | Kokanee | 48,224 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 44,503 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 54,028 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 47,922 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 15,770 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 14,490 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1994 | Kokanee | 12,252 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,030 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,030 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,742 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 6,996 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,290 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1993 | Kokanee | 49,029 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Flathead Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Flathead Lake was last stocked October 1, 1997 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is stocked with Kokanee, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Mountain Whitefish, Coho Salmon, Bass, Trout (unspecified), and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Flathead Lake stocked?
Flathead Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Flathead Lake stocked?
Flathead Lake has been stocked about 16 times a year — 1,161 recorded stockings between 1924 and 1997.
How many fish have been stocked in Flathead Lake?
About 107,477,002 fish have been stocked in Flathead Lake across 1,161 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Flathead Lake?
Fish stocked in Flathead Lake average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Flathead 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 Flathead Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Flathead 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.