Park Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1939–2021 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Park Lake was last stocked July 28, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout. Park Lake has 91 stocking records on file, spanning 1939–2021, with about 464,598 fish stocked over that period.
When Park Lake is stocked
Park Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Park 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 Park 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 Park Lake was last stocked July 28, 2021, 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 Park 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 Park 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 Park Lake, freshest activity first.
Miller Creek
5 mi2 species · 27 records
Last stocked July 2008
Conklin Pond
8 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1995
Crow Creek
4 mi4 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 1991
Boulder Kids Ponds
12 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 1984
Moose Creek
5 mi4 species · 83 records
Last stocked July 1973
North Fork Quartz Creek
3 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1967
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 3.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 6.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,840 | 2.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 6.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,999 | 1.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,999 | 1.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,631 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 7.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 2.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,400 | 3.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 8.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,056 | 2.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,064 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 437 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,025 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,563 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 437 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,004 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,018 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,108 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,017 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,377 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,400 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,011 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,994 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 2,065 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,647 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,990 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,140 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 880 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,998 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 3,989 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 4,010 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 91 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Park Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Park Lake was last stocked July 28, 2021 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Park Lake?
Park Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Park Lake stocked?
Park Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Park Lake stocked?
Park Lake is stocked intermittently — 91 recorded stockings between 1939 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Park Lake?
About 464,598 fish have been stocked in Park Lake across 91 recorded events since 1939, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Park Lake?
Fish stocked in Park Lake average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Park 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 Park Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Park 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.