Round Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1933–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Round Lake was last stocked May 7, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Round Lake has 59 stocking records on file, spanning 1933–2026, with about 107,832 fish stocked over that period.
When Round Lake is stocked
Round Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Round 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 Round 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 Round Lake was last stocked May 7, 2026, 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 Round 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 Round 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 Round Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Blaine
3 mi11 species · 102 records
Last stocked June 2014
Swimming Lake
2 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 1972
Plummer Lake
2 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 1971
Sawdust Lake
2 mi3 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 1970
Harbin Lake
1 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1968
East Bass Lake
2 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 3.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 3.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 556 | 7.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 555 | 7.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 7.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 7.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 549 | 8.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 7.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 791 | 6.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 753 | 6.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 676 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 827 | 6.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,031 | 3.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,496 | 5.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 312 | 6.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 324 | 7.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 305 | 7.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 304 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 509 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 287 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 272 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 513 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 209 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 227 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 556 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,114 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,442 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,523 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 466 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 645 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1953 | Brook Trout | 210 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 25, 1950 | Brown Trout | 3,725 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,570 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 59 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Round Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Round Lake was last stocked May 7, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Round Lake?
Round Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Round Lake stocked?
Round Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Round Lake stocked?
Round Lake is stocked intermittently — 59 recorded stockings between 1933 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Round Lake?
About 107,832 fish have been stocked in Round Lake across 59 recorded events since 1933, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Round Lake?
Fish stocked in Round Lake average about 6.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Round 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 Round Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Round 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.