Hidden Lake 4 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1984–1984 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hidden Lake 4 was last stocked September 15, 1984 with Golden Trout. Hidden Lake 4 has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1984–1984, with about 1,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hidden Lake 4
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 Hidden Lake 4, 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 Hidden Lake 4 was last stocked September 15, 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 Hidden Lake 4:
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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Hidden Lake 4
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 Hidden Lake 4, freshest activity first.
Lake Elsie
4 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2017
Hidden Lake 1
1 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1991
Hidden Lakes 2
1 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1991
North Fork West Fork Gallating Ri
8 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1978
Swan Creek
7 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked June 1978
West Fork Gallatin River
4 mi3 species · 82 records
Last stocked July 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 1984 | Golden Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hidden Lake 4 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hidden Lake 4 was last stocked September 15, 1984 with Golden Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hidden Lake 4?
Hidden Lake 4 is stocked with Golden Trout.
How often is Hidden Lake 4 stocked?
Hidden Lake 4 is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1984 and 1984.
How many fish have been stocked in Hidden Lake 4?
About 1,000 fish have been stocked in Hidden Lake 4 across 1 recorded events since 1984, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hidden Lake 4?
Fish stocked in Hidden Lake 4 average about 1.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hidden Lake 4?
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 Hidden Lake 4?
Freshly stocked trout in Hidden Lake 4 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.