Kuester Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1960–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kuester Lake was last stocked August 1, 2024 with Yellow Perch. Kuester Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1960–2024, with about 177,862 fish stocked over that period.
When Kuester Lake is stocked
Kuester Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in April — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kuester 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 Kuester 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 Kuester Lake was last stocked August 1, 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 Kuester 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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Kuester 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Kuester Lake, freshest activity first.
Johnson Reservoir
12 mi9 species · 56 records
Last stocked May 2025
Candee Pond
19 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2025
Verschoot Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2021
Salsbury Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 46 records
Last stocked May 2020
Fatzinger Reservoir
17 mi5 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 1991
Upper Scheetz Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2024 | Yellow Perch | 20,000 | 1.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1989 | Yellow Perch | 2,779 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1981 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1979 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1978 | Yellow Perch | 472 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Yellow Perch | 1,920 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1976 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 1975 | Yellow Perch | 650 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Northern Pike | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1971 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1970 | Northern Pike | 529 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1970 | Northern Pike | 426 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1969 | Northern Pike | 910 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1969 | Northern Pike | 960 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 15,606 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 3,200 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 5,760 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 21,700 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 10,950 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 28,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kuester Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kuester Lake was last stocked August 1, 2024 with Yellow Perch.
What fish species are stocked in Kuester Lake?
Kuester Lake is stocked with Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Kuester Lake stocked?
Kuester Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in April.
How often is Kuester Lake stocked?
Kuester Lake is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1960 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Kuester Lake?
About 177,862 fish have been stocked in Kuester Lake across 24 recorded events since 1960, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kuester Lake?
Fish stocked in Kuester Lake average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kuester 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 Kuester Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Kuester 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.