Mitten Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mitten Lake was last stocked September 9, 2008 with Rainbow Trout. Mitten Lake has 37 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–2008, with about 781,666 fish stocked over that period.
When Mitten Lake is stocked
Mitten Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Mitten 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 Mitten 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 Mitten Lake was last stocked September 9, 2008, 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 Mitten 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 Mitten 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Mitten Lake, freshest activity first.
Kiyo Crag Lake
6 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2024
Four Horns Lake
13 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Lindseth Pond
14 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2004
Magee Lake
12 mi2 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 1997
Railroad Lake
16 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked September 1989
Horn Lake
4 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 1988
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 15,059 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 20,154 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 20,118 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 20,032 | 5.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 17,074 | 6.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 13,915 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 14,997 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 23,648 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 29 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 20,991 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 20,240 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 21,723 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 20,659 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 24,456 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 7,110 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 14,641 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 8,640 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 8,664 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 11,696 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 20,018 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 20,640 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 20,001 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 34,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 34,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 34,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 34,080 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 35,070 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 7,980 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 8,046 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 30,068 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 25,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,250 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 8,196 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1930 | Cutthroat Trout | 93,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Mitten Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Mitten Lake was last stocked September 9, 2008 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Mitten Lake?
Mitten Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Mitten Lake stocked?
Mitten Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Mitten Lake stocked?
Mitten Lake is stocked intermittently — 37 recorded stockings between 1930 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Mitten Lake?
About 781,666 fish have been stocked in Mitten Lake across 37 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Mitten Lake?
Fish stocked in Mitten Lake average about 5.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Mitten 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 Mitten Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Mitten 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.