Hauso Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1963–1984 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hauso Lake was last stocked April 10, 1984 with Rainbow Trout. Hauso Lake has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1963–1984, with about 18,450 fish stocked over that period.
When Hauso Lake is stocked
Hauso Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hauso 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 Hauso 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 Hauso Lake was last stocked April 10, 1984, 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 Hauso 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.
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.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for Hauso 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hauso Lake, freshest activity first.
Watt Reservoir
3 mi2 species · 48 records
Last stocked May 2025
Clark Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2025
Engdahl Reservoir 2
9 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1995
Coulter Trout Pond
1 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 1994
Engdahl Reservoir #1
8 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 1986
McKeever Trout Reservoir
1 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1965 | Northern Pike | 750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hauso Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hauso Lake was last stocked April 10, 1984 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hauso Lake?
Hauso Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Hauso Lake stocked?
Hauso Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Hauso Lake stocked?
Hauso Lake is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1963 and 1984.
How many fish have been stocked in Hauso Lake?
About 18,450 fish have been stocked in Hauso Lake across 13 recorded events since 1963, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hauso Lake?
Fish stocked in Hauso Lake average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hauso 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 Hauso Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Hauso 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.