Rock Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1925–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rock Lake was last stocked September 27, 2023 with Rainbow Trout. Rock Lake has 71 stocking records on file, spanning 1925–2023, with about 224,909 fish stocked over that period.
When Rock Lake is stocked
Rock Lake is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rock 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 Rock 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 Rock Lake was last stocked September 27, 2023, 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 Rock 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 Rock 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 Rock Lake, freshest activity first.
Shady Lane Pond
4 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Black Lake
3 mi3 species · 39 records
Last stocked July 2022
Jenny Lake
5 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2022
Lake Blaine
2 mi11 species · 102 records
Last stocked June 2014
Gooderich Bayou
3 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2013
Meadow Lake
5 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked June 1996
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,105 | 4.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,245 | 4.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,102 | 3.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 4.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 4.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,250 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,097 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,200 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,047 | 9.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,104 | 2.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 281 | 3.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 829 | 9.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,113 | 3.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 529 | 3.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,074 | 7.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | 3.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 106 | 6.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,037 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 837 | 3.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,021 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 8.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,064 | 4.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,747 | 2.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 785 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 744 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,119 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 514 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 847 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,037 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,024 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,065 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,818 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,808 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 71 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Rock Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rock Lake was last stocked September 27, 2023 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rock Lake?
Rock Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Rock Lake stocked?
Rock Lake is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in September.
How often is Rock Lake stocked?
Rock Lake is stocked intermittently — 71 recorded stockings between 1925 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Rock Lake?
About 224,909 fish have been stocked in Rock Lake across 71 recorded events since 1925, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rock Lake?
Fish stocked in Rock Lake average about 4.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rock 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 Rock Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Rock 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.