Lake Frances Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lake Frances was last stocked June 17, 2025 with Walleye. Lake Frances has 181 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2025, with about 13,027,584 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Frances is stocked
Lake Frances is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 50 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Frances
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 Lake Frances, 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 Lake Frances was last stocked June 17, 2025, 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 Lake Frances:
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).
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Frances
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 Lake Frances, freshest activity first.
Perkins Pond
21 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cut Bank Creek
14 mi4 species · 285 records
Last stocked July 2009
Four Horns Lake
21 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Hope Lake
21 mi5 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2008
Lindseth Pond
23 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2004
Badger Creek
20 mi3 species · 127 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2025 | Walleye | 50,000 | 1.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2024 | Walleye | 10,274 | 2.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2024 | Walleye | 51,000 | 1.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2023 | Walleye | 11,247 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2023 | Walleye | 19,584 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2023 | Walleye | 19,584 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Walleye | 50,640 | 1.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2020 | Walleye | 52,453 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2018 | Walleye | 9,921 | 2.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2018 | Walleye | 9,921 | 2.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2018 | Walleye | 9,921 | 2.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2016 | Walleye | 53,722 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2014 | Walleye | 50,161 | 1.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 2012 | Walleye | 41,427 | 2.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2010 | Walleye | 89,876 | 1.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2008 | Walleye | 25,156 | 1.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2008 | Walleye | 50,608 | 1.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2008 | Walleye | 24,022 | 1.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Walleye | 101,270 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2004 | Walleye | 100,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2002 | Walleye | 100,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2000 | Walleye | 78,926 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1998 | Walleye | 99,340 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1997 | Walleye | 17,432 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1997 | Walleye | 100,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1985 | White Sucker | 3,433 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1979 | Kokanee | 39,456 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1977 | Walleye | 1,600,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1976 | Walleye | 200,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1974 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1974 | Walleye | 1,275,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1973 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1972 | Kokanee | 200,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1971 | Walleye | 204,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1971 | Walleye | 482,616 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1971 | Kokanee | 162,400 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1970 | Kokanee | 203,200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1969 | Kokanee | 208,536 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1969 | Walleye | 500,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1968 | Kokanee | 203,472 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1967 | Kokanee | 205,056 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1966 | Kokanee | 208,936 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1965 | Kokanee | 212,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 12,600 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 24,233 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 16,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 9,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 11,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 11,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 16,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 181 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Frances last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lake Frances was last stocked June 17, 2025 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Frances?
Lake Frances is stocked with Walleye, White Sucker, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Lake Frances stocked?
Lake Frances is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Lake Frances stocked?
Lake Frances has been stocked about 2 times a year — 181 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Frances?
About 13,027,584 fish have been stocked in Lake Frances across 181 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lake Frances?
Fish stocked in Lake Frances average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Frances?
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 Lake Frances?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Frances 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.