Gold Bar Lakes Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gold Bar Lakes was last stocked September 3, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout. Gold Bar Lakes has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–2023, with about 8,060 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gold Bar Lakes
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 Gold Bar Lakes, 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 Gold Bar Lakes was last stocked September 3, 2023, 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 Gold Bar Lakes:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Gold Bar Lakes
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 Gold Bar Lakes, freshest activity first.
Pear Lake
3 mi3 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Little Racetrack Lake
2 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2023
Meadow Lake 3
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2011
Meadow Lakes
4 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2011
Racetrack Lake
2 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 1994
Twin Peaks Lake
1 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 3, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,900 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gold Bar Lakes last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gold Bar Lakes was last stocked September 3, 2023 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Gold Bar Lakes?
Gold Bar Lakes is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Gold Bar Lakes stocked?
Gold Bar Lakes is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1948 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Gold Bar Lakes?
About 8,060 fish have been stocked in Gold Bar Lakes across 4 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gold Bar Lakes?
Fish stocked in Gold Bar Lakes average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gold Bar Lakes?
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 Gold Bar Lakes?
Freshly stocked trout in Gold Bar Lakes 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.