Johanna Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johanna Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Johanna Lake has 16 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–2022, with about 29,271 fish stocked over that period.
When Johanna Lake is stocked
Johanna Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Johanna 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 Johanna 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 Johanna Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022, 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 Johanna 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 Johanna 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Johanna Lake, freshest activity first.
Bobcat Lakes
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ferguson Lake
3 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked September 2024
Harrison Lake
8 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stone Lakes 3
7 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stone Lakes
7 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Foolhen Lake
7 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked November 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 450 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 8 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 511 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Johanna Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johanna Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Johanna Lake?
Johanna Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Johanna Lake stocked?
Johanna Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Johanna Lake stocked?
Johanna Lake is stocked intermittently — 16 recorded stockings between 1940 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Johanna Lake?
About 29,271 fish have been stocked in Johanna Lake across 16 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Johanna Lake?
Fish stocked in Johanna Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Johanna 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 Johanna Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Johanna 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.