Forest Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1961 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forest Lake was last stocked August 28, 1961 with Arctic Grayling. Forest Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1961, with about 90,566 fish stocked over that period.
When Forest Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Forest 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 Forest 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 Forest Lake was last stocked August 28, 1961, 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 Forest 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Forest 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 Forest Lake, freshest activity first.
Sunlight Lake
9 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2025
South Fork Shields River
6 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 1954
Sandeno Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1953
Crandall Creek
4 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 1952
Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek
5 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1952
Bennett Creek
4 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 1950
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 1961 | Arctic Grayling | 4,800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1955 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,456 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,840 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1934 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1932 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 20, 1931 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Forest Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forest Lake was last stocked August 28, 1961 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Forest Lake stocked?
Forest Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1961.
How many fish have been stocked in Forest Lake?
About 90,566 fish have been stocked in Forest Lake across 9 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Forest Lake?
Fish stocked in Forest Lake average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Forest 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 Forest Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Forest 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.