Louis Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Louis Lake was last stocked August 26, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Louis Lake has 32 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–2024, with about 50,227 fish stocked over that period.
When Louis Lake is stocked
Louis Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Louis 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 Louis 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 Louis Lake was last stocked August 26, 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 Louis 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 Louis 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 Louis Lake, freshest activity first.
Smokey Lake
4 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked May 2026
Dickey Lake
5 mi7 species · 174 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sunday Lake 1
3 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Lagoni Lake
5 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2024
Brimstone Lake
3 mi2 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2023
Burnt Lake
4 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,004 | 1.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 101 | 1.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,100 | 1.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,850 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 4.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,014 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 440 | 10.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 24 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,525 | 4.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,771 | 4.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 247 | 9.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,168 | 3.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,162 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,491 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,425 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,508 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,534 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 768 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 747 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,519 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,560 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,503 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,099 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,095 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,005 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,010 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,870 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Louis Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Louis Lake was last stocked August 26, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Louis Lake?
Louis Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Louis Lake stocked?
Louis Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Louis Lake stocked?
Louis Lake is stocked intermittently — 32 recorded stockings between 1973 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Louis Lake?
About 50,227 fish have been stocked in Louis Lake across 32 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Louis Lake?
Fish stocked in Louis Lake average about 4.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Louis 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 Louis Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Louis 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.