High Hope Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1977–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, High Hope Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. High Hope Lake has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1977–2024, with about 6,751 fish stocked over that period.
When High Hope Lake is stocked
High Hope Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for High Hope 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 High Hope 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 High Hope Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024, 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 High Hope 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.
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 High Hope 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 High Hope Lake, freshest activity first.
Ramona Lake
2 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Painted Lake
3 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2024
Hilgard Lake
3 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked September 2024
Sunset Lake
5 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2024
Lake Ha Hand
5 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2024
Expedition Lake
5 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 1.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 1.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 19, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,001 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was High Hope Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, High Hope Lake was last stocked September 19, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in High Hope Lake?
High Hope Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is High Hope Lake stocked?
High Hope Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is High Hope Lake stocked?
High Hope Lake is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1977 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in High Hope Lake?
About 6,751 fish have been stocked in High Hope Lake across 14 recorded events since 1977, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in High Hope Lake?
Fish stocked in High Hope Lake average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish High Hope 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 High Hope Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in High Hope 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.