Lavon Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lavon Lake was last stocked May 14, 1952 with Rainbow Trout. Lavon Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–1952, with about 141,695 fish stocked over that period.
When Lavon Lake is stocked
Lavon Lake is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lavon 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 Lavon 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 Lavon Lake was last stocked May 14, 1952, 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 Lavon 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).
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.
Coho Salmon Profile Tips
A popular fall target in Washington's rivers and marine waters.
Recommended Tackle for Lavon 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 Lavon Lake, freshest activity first.
Lower Thompson Lake
7 mi6 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cibid Lake
1 mi2 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Leon Lake
1 mi5 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2026
Middle Thompson Lake
5 mi6 species · 153 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cad Lake
0 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2024
Topless Lake
0 mi3 species · 46 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,320 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 3,320 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 1,960 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 275 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 620 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 1939 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1938 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1936 | Coho Salmon | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1935 | Coho Salmon | 15,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1933 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1931 | Rainbow Trout | 35,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1924 | Bass | 3,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1924 | Sunfish | 200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lavon Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lavon Lake was last stocked May 14, 1952 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lavon Lake?
Lavon Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Bass, and Sunfish.
What time of year is Lavon Lake stocked?
Lavon Lake is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May.
How often is Lavon Lake stocked?
Lavon Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1924 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Lavon Lake?
About 141,695 fish have been stocked in Lavon Lake across 17 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lavon Lake?
Fish stocked in Lavon Lake average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lavon 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 Lavon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lavon 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.