Homestake Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Homestake Lake was last stocked June 9, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Homestake Lake has 97 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2025, with about 105,326 fish stocked over that period.
When Homestake Lake is stocked
Homestake Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 65 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Homestake 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 Homestake 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 Homestake Lake was last stocked June 9, 2025, 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 Homestake 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.
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 Homestake 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 Homestake Lake, freshest activity first.
Skyline Pond
6 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Delmoe Lake
6 mi2 species · 66 records
Last stocked September 2025
Copper Mountain Park Pond
8 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2025
Camp Creek
14 mi3 species · 39 records
Last stocked July 1959
Browns Gulch
15 mi3 species · 31 records
Last stocked July 1954
Trail Creek
14 mi3 species · 99 records
Last stocked July 1954
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,505 | 7.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,508 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 8.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 9.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 9.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 112 | 14.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,350 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 8.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,478 | 9.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 9.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 8.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 480 | 10.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 388 | 12.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 625 | 13.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,520 | 9.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 10.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 14.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 11.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 14.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 13.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 13.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | 15.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 90 | 15.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,222 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 347 | 13.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 177 | 17.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 97 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Homestake Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Homestake Lake was last stocked June 9, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Homestake Lake?
Homestake Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Homestake Lake stocked?
Homestake Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Homestake Lake stocked?
Homestake Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 97 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Homestake Lake?
About 105,326 fish have been stocked in Homestake Lake across 97 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Homestake Lake?
Fish stocked in Homestake Lake average about 9.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Homestake 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 Homestake Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Homestake 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.