Pear Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1935–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pear Lake was last stocked August 12, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout. Pear Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1935–2024, with about 115,054 fish stocked over that period.
When Pear Lake is stocked
Pear Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pear 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 Pear 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 Pear Lake was last stocked August 12, 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 Pear 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.
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 Pear 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Pear Lake, freshest activity first.
Little Racetrack Lake
3 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2023
Gold Bar Lakes
3 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2023
Meadow Lake 3
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2011
Meadow Lakes
3 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked August 2011
Porcupine Lake
2 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1990
Twin Peaks Lake
3 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 509 | 1.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 504 | 1.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,980 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 498 | 1.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 511 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,980 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 498 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,055 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 990 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,032 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 4,188 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1973 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,044 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1968 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,120 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1963 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1960 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 840 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,780 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1943 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Pear Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Pear Lake was last stocked August 12, 2024 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Pear Lake?
Pear Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Pear Lake stocked?
Pear Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Pear Lake stocked?
Pear Lake is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1935 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Pear Lake?
About 115,054 fish have been stocked in Pear Lake across 35 recorded events since 1935, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pear Lake?
Fish stocked in Pear Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pear 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 Pear Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pear 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.