Hebgen Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hebgen Lake was last stocked June 13, 2023 with Arctic Grayling. Hebgen Lake has 944 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2023, with about 15,718,680 fish stocked over that period.
When Hebgen Lake is stocked
Hebgen Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 183 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hebgen 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 Hebgen 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 Hebgen Lake was last stocked June 13, 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 Hebgen 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.
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 Hebgen 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.
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 Hebgen Lake, freshest activity first.
High Hope Lake
12 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Ramona Lake
13 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Papoose Lake
14 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1993
Coffin Lake, Upper
6 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 1991
Cradle Lake, Upper
13 mi1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 1991
Blue Danube Lake
12 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2023 | Arctic Grayling | 4,534 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 77,550 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 25,100 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 38,408 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 36,844 | 3.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 24,818 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 35,235 | 3.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 49,285 | 3.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 55,550 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 46,780 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 49,107 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 46,603 | 3.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 45,370 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 53,990 | 3.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 48,801 | 3.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 11,862 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 9,776 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 44,096 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 51,712 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 57,900 | 2.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 63,374 | 2.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 33,963 | 2.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 25,559 | 2.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 11,402 | 6.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 12,873 | 6.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 47,446 | 3.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 11,909 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 10,555 | 6.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 44,108 | 3.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 34,883 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 34,883 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 38,062 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 8,418 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 19,417 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 19,433 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 15,823 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 16,354 | 5.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 18,553 | 5.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 103,276 | 4.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 43,195 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 38,000 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 38,000 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 17,857 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 18,252 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 17,677 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 17,677 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 18,826 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 17,220 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 37,437 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 37,117 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Hebgen Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hebgen Lake was last stocked June 13, 2023 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Hebgen Lake?
Hebgen Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Hebgen Lake stocked?
Hebgen Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Hebgen Lake stocked?
Hebgen Lake has been stocked about 10 times a year — 944 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Hebgen Lake?
About 15,718,680 fish have been stocked in Hebgen Lake across 944 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hebgen Lake?
Fish stocked in Hebgen Lake average about 7.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hebgen 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 Hebgen Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Hebgen 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.