War Horse Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, War Horse Lake was last stocked August 27, 2020 with Largemouth Bass. War Horse Lake has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–2020, with about 380,127 fish stocked over that period.
When War Horse Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for War Horse 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 War Horse 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 War Horse Lake was last stocked August 27, 2020, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in War Horse Lake:
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Northern Pike Profile Tips
Known for aggressive strikes on large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live bait; its sharp teeth call for wire leaders.
Recommended Tackle for War Horse Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 War Horse Lake, freshest activity first.
Dry Blood Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked October 2025
Payola Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2025
South Fork Blood Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2025
Haynie Pond
10 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Box Elder Creek Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 54 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stormwind Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2020
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 4,192 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 56,789 | 1.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 20,000 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Northern Pike | 50,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1985 | Northern Pike | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1984 | Northern Pike | 200,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1980 | Yellow Perch | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 1973 | Northern Pike | 146 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was War Horse Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, War Horse Lake was last stocked August 27, 2020 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in War Horse Lake?
War Horse Lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch.
How often is War Horse Lake stocked?
War Horse Lake is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1973 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in War Horse Lake?
About 380,127 fish have been stocked in War Horse Lake across 9 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in War Horse Lake?
Fish stocked in War Horse Lake average about 5.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish War Horse 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.