Waukena Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–2022 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Waukena Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Waukena Lake has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–2022, with about 45,187 fish stocked over that period.
When Waukena Lake is stocked
Waukena Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Waukena 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 Waukena 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 Waukena Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022, 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 Waukena 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.
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 Waukena 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 Waukena Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Abundance
3 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2024
Black Lion Lake
6 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 2024
Scott Lake
6 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 2024
Vera Lake
2 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2022
Gorge Lake North
4 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2022
Tendoy Lake
2 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 1.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,614 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,960 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 29, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,513 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Waukena Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Waukena Lake was last stocked July 27, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Waukena Lake?
Waukena Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Waukena Lake stocked?
Waukena Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Waukena Lake stocked?
Waukena Lake is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1959 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Waukena Lake?
About 45,187 fish have been stocked in Waukena Lake across 17 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Waukena Lake?
Fish stocked in Waukena Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Waukena 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 Waukena Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Waukena 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.