Horseshoe Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Horseshoe Lake was last stocked April 24, 2024 with Kokanee. Horseshoe Lake has 69 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–2024, with about 630,803 fish stocked over that period.
When Horseshoe Lake is stocked
Horseshoe Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake was last stocked April 24, 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 Horseshoe 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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).
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Horseshoe 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Horseshoe Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Mary Ronan
8 mi8 species · 685 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rainbow Lake
16 mi9 species · 276 records
Last stocked September 2025
Cabin Lake
15 mi2 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Bailey Lake
7 mi2 species · 57 records
Last stocked July 2023
Pablo Reservoir
16 mi5 species · 51 records
Last stocked June 2008
Ronan Creek
14 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2002
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2024 | Kokanee | 12,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2024 | Kokanee | 12,000 | 2.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2023 | Kokanee | 12,000 | 2.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 505 | 8.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2022 | Kokanee | 15,062 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2021 | Kokanee | 12,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 710 | 10.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2020 | Kokanee | 15,510 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 753 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2019 | Kokanee | 17,325 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2017 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Kokanee | 14,958 | 2.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2016 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 5.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2016 | Kokanee | 15,043 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2015 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Kokanee | 15,264 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2014 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2013 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2012 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Kokanee | 15,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2011 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2011 | Kokanee | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2010 | Smallmouth Bass | 2,500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2007 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2006 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2004 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2003 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,350 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2001 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,500 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1992 | Smallmouth Bass | 821 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,136 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 21,945 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 291 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 16,800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,360 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,840 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 22,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1955 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,420 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,180 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 69 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Horseshoe Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Horseshoe Lake was last stocked April 24, 2024 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is stocked with Kokanee, Tiger Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Trout (unspecified), Coho Salmon, and Sunfish.
What time of year is Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Horseshoe Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Horseshoe Lake is stocked intermittently — 69 recorded stockings between 1924 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Horseshoe Lake?
About 630,803 fish have been stocked in Horseshoe Lake across 69 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Horseshoe Lake?
Fish stocked in Horseshoe Lake average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Horseshoe 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.