Horn Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Horn Lake was last stocked June 22, 1988 with Coho Salmon. Horn Lake has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–1988, with about 63,072 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Horn 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 Horn 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 Horn Lake was last stocked June 22, 1988, 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 Horn 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Recommended Tackle for Horn 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Horn Lake, freshest activity first.
Kiyo Crag Lake
10 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Four Horns Lake
10 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Mitten Lake
4 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Hope Lake
16 mi5 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2008
Lindseth Pond
11 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2004
Magee Lake
13 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 1988 | Coho Salmon | 9,872 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1931 | Chinook Salmon | 9,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1930 | Rainbow Trout | 44,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Horn Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Horn Lake was last stocked June 22, 1988 with Coho Salmon.
What fish species are stocked in Horn Lake?
Horn Lake is stocked with Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Horn Lake stocked?
Horn Lake is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1930 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Horn Lake?
About 63,072 fish have been stocked in Horn Lake across 3 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Horn Lake?
Fish stocked in Horn Lake average about 3.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Horn 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 Horn Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Horn 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.