Twin Lakes Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twin Lakes was last stocked June 13, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Twin Lakes has 138 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2025, with about 3,900,893 fish stocked over that period.
When Twin Lakes is stocked
Twin Lakes is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 45 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Twin Lakes
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 Twin Lakes, 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 Twin Lakes was last stocked June 13, 2025, 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 Twin Lakes:
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 Twin Lakes
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 Twin Lakes, freshest activity first.
Wyman Creek
11 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 1991
Day Gulch
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1964
Threemile Creek
2 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked July 1953
Alder Creek
7 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1951
Gilbert Creek
8 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked July 1951
Ranch Creek
1 mi3 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 1949
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,990 | 4.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 5.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,088 | 5.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,008 | 2.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 977 | 6.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 5.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,001 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 1.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 7.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 1.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 7.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,020 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,020 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,064 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,064 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,954 | 5.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,033 | 4.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 5.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 4,790 | 5.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 2,171 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,910 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,165 | 3.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,165 | 3.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,158 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,158 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,023 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,023 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,041 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,041 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,250 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 795 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 455 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 477 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 273 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,250 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 138 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Twin Lakes last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twin Lakes was last stocked June 13, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Twin Lakes stocked?
Twin Lakes is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Twin Lakes stocked?
Twin Lakes has been stocked about 1 times a year — 138 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Twin Lakes?
About 3,900,893 fish have been stocked in Twin Lakes across 138 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Twin Lakes?
Fish stocked in Twin Lakes average about 7.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Twin Lakes?
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 Twin Lakes?
Freshly stocked trout in Twin Lakes 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.