West Rosebud Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 3, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. West Rosebud Lake has 201 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2026, with about 1,220,451 fish stocked over that period.
When West Rosebud Lake is stocked
West Rosebud Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 59 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for West Rosebud 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 West Rosebud 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 West Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 3, 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 West Rosebud 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 West Rosebud 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 West Rosebud Lake, freshest activity first.
Emerald Lake
2 mi3 species · 234 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lily Pad Lake
5 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2025
East Rosebud Lake
5 mi3 species · 168 records
Last stocked June 2025
West Fishtail Creek Lake 40
5 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 2024
West Fishtail Creek Lake 41A
6 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 1992
Ram Lake
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,000 | 2.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,148 | 9.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 367 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 128 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 8.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,128 | 8.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,034 | 8.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,238 | 3.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 8.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,052 | 7.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 9.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 6.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,073 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 6.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 8.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 989 | 6.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 8.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,074 | 7.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 8.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 7.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,018 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 955 | 5.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 8.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 7.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,021 | 7.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,090 | 6.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,036 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,578 | 5.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 9.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 8.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,126 | 10.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,015 | 5.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,008 | 7.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 8.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 201 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was West Rosebud Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, West Rosebud Lake was last stocked June 3, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in West Rosebud Lake?
West Rosebud Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is West Rosebud Lake stocked?
West Rosebud Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is West Rosebud Lake stocked?
West Rosebud Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 201 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in West Rosebud Lake?
About 1,220,451 fish have been stocked in West Rosebud Lake across 201 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in West Rosebud Lake?
Fish stocked in West Rosebud Lake average about 7.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish West Rosebud 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 West Rosebud Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in West Rosebud 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.