Stewart Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stewart Lake was last stocked May 24, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Stewart Lake has 74 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2026, with about 225,837 fish stocked over that period.
When Stewart Lake is stocked
Stewart Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 43 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stewart 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 Stewart 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 Stewart Lake was last stocked May 24, 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 Stewart 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 Stewart 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 Stewart Lake, freshest activity first.
Crescent Lake
7 mi3 species · 31 records
Last stocked August 2024
Little Racetrack Lake
6 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2023
Gold Bar Lakes
6 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2023
Boulder Lake, Lower
4 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2014
Racetrack Lake
5 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 1994
Twin Peaks Lake
7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,970 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,036 | 4.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,008 | 3.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,976 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 4.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,999 | 1.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 900 | 6.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,020 | 4.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,300 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 5.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,150 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,775 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 751 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,241 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,029 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,078 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,187 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,220 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 3,123 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 3,247 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 74 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Stewart Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stewart Lake was last stocked May 24, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stewart Lake?
Stewart Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Bluegill, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Stewart Lake stocked?
Stewart Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Stewart Lake stocked?
Stewart Lake is stocked intermittently — 74 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Stewart Lake?
About 225,837 fish have been stocked in Stewart Lake across 74 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stewart Lake?
Fish stocked in Stewart Lake average about 4.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stewart 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 Stewart Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Stewart 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.