Lost Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lost Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Lost Lake has 96 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2026, with about 780,663 fish stocked over that period.
When Lost Lake is stocked
Lost Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 23 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lost 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 Lost 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 Lost Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026, 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 Lost 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Lost 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.
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 Lost Lake, freshest activity first.
Swan Lake
5 mi4 species · 170 records
Last stocked June 2007
Flathead Lake
6 mi14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Hall Creek
5 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked August 1995
Groom Creek
5 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 1992
Estes Lake
6 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1987
Mud Lake
3 mi4 species · 35 records
Last stocked July 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 3.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 3.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 350 | 2.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,101 | 7.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,241 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2018 | Arctic Grayling | 800 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 2015 | Arctic Grayling | 200 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 6.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 959 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 908 | 8.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 445 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 704 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 680 | 7.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,074 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 697 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 692 | 5.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 703 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 4.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 676 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,253 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 744 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 648 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1997 | Arctic Grayling | 364 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 1997 | Arctic Grayling | 1,185 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 296 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,575 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 96 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lost Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lost Lake was last stocked May 6, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lost Lake?
Lost Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Lost Lake stocked?
Lost Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Lost Lake stocked?
Lost Lake is stocked intermittently — 96 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lost Lake?
About 780,663 fish have been stocked in Lost Lake across 96 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lost Lake?
Fish stocked in Lost Lake average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lost 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 Lost Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lost 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.