Othorp Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Othorp Lake was last stocked September 12, 2012 with Rainbow Trout. Othorp Lake has 25 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2012, with about 231,385 fish stocked over that period.
When Othorp Lake is stocked
Othorp Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Othorp 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 Othorp 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 Othorp Lake was last stocked September 12, 2012, 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 Othorp 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Othorp 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 Othorp Lake, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
3 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Moran Lake
7 mi3 species · 117 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
6 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sophie Lake
7 mi5 species · 241 records
Last stocked May 2026
Frank Lake
6 mi4 species · 145 records
Last stocked May 2023
Timber Lake
5 mi1 species · 85 records
Last stocked May 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 12, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,215 | 4.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,099 | 4.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,125 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,113 | 3.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,104 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,098 | 3.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 59 | 3.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 17 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 944 | 3.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,151 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 2,937 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,272 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,260 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1970 | Largemouth Bass | 75 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1968 | Largemouth Bass | 3,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1967 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 14,580 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 9,280 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 14,004 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 14,689 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 69,208 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 71,262 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Othorp Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Othorp Lake was last stocked September 12, 2012 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Othorp Lake?
Othorp Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Othorp Lake stocked?
Othorp Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Othorp Lake stocked?
Othorp Lake is stocked intermittently — 25 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Othorp Lake?
About 231,385 fish have been stocked in Othorp Lake across 25 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Othorp Lake?
Fish stocked in Othorp Lake average about 4.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Othorp 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 Othorp Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Othorp 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.