Kenck Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1938–1956 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kenck Lake was last stocked August 3, 1956 with Cutthroat Trout. Kenck Lake has 8 stocking records on file, spanning 1938–1956, with about 24,825 fish stocked over that period.
When Kenck Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kenck 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 Kenck 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 Kenck Lake was last stocked August 3, 1956, 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 Kenck 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 Kenck 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 Kenck Lake, freshest activity first.
Stafford Kid's Pond
8 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2026
Heironymous Pond
3 mi1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Upper Twin Lake
8 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Thomas Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2014
Hauf Lake
7 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1990
Upper Camas Lake
7 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 3, 1956 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 425 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 3,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kenck Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kenck Lake was last stocked August 3, 1956 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kenck Lake?
Kenck Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Kenck Lake stocked?
Kenck Lake is stocked intermittently — 8 recorded stockings between 1938 and 1956.
How many fish have been stocked in Kenck Lake?
About 24,825 fish have been stocked in Kenck Lake across 8 recorded events since 1938, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kenck Lake?
Fish stocked in Kenck Lake average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kenck 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 Kenck Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Kenck 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.