When was Elk Lake last stocked?

The latest reported stocking was May 14, 2026 (westslope cutthroat trout, 17,010 fish), according to Montana agency reports.

How often is Elk Lake stocked?

It was stocked 2 times in the last 12 months. Across all years on record, most stockings come in May.

Is Elk Lake stocked often?

The second most stocked of 11 waters in Beaverhead County. Stocked more often than 77% of Montana waters on our record. We count each day the agency reported stocking it.

What kind of trout are stocked in Elk Lake?

Westslope cutthroat trout (3 stockings, 69,020 fish).

How warm is the water near Elk Lake?

The nearest USGS gage read 32°F on Nov 9. Trout are sluggish below about 45°F. Fish slow and deep, midday is often best.

Elk Lake trout stocking

Beaverhead County, Montana · lake · 6,675 ft elevation

Elk Lake was last stocked 6 months ago (May 14, 2026). We have 3 stockings on record since Jul 9, 2025, 2 in the last 12 months (34,020 fish). Most stockings come in May. Species stocked: westslope cutthroat trout.

Last stocked

6 months ago

May 14, 2026

Next planned

Not announced

Last 12 months

2 stockings

34,020 fish

Water temperature

32°F

Cold for trout

The second most stocked of 11 waters in Beaverhead County.
Stocked more often than 77% of Montana waters on our record.

River conditions

Nearest USGS gage: Red Rock Cr ab Lakes, nr Lakeview, MT (8 km away, on a different stream or lake).

Water temperature: 32°F
Flow: 0 cfs
Gage height: 0.00 ft

Cold for trout. Trout are sluggish below about 45°F. Fish slow and deep, midday is often best.

Water temperature (daily high), last six weeks (°F), daily. Latest: 32 °F on Nov 8. The green band is the ideal range for trout.

Streamflow, last six weeks (cfs), daily. Latest: 0 cfs on Nov 8.

Latest reading Nov 9, 2026, 8:30 AM UTC. USGS data are provisional. Gage page at USGS.

Weather at Elk Lake

This Afternoon
46°F
Partly Sunny
1% rain · wind 8 to 14 mph
Tonight
28°F
Mostly Cloudy
1% rain · wind 5 to 8 mph
Monday
47°F
Partly Sunny
wind 6 to 13 mph
Monday Night
30°F
Mostly Cloudy
2% rain · wind 3 to 9 mph
Tuesday
45°F
Mostly Sunny
2% rain · wind 3 to 12 mph
Tuesday Night
27°F
Partly Cloudy
wind 7 mph

Forecast from the National Weather Service for this location, refreshed hourly.

When is Elk Lake stocked?

Most stockings come in May.

By month, all years

Stockings of Elk Lake by month, all years on record. This month is shown in blue.

Year by year

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2026					2
2025							1

What is stocked

Species	Stockings	Fish	Fish per stocking	Typical size
Westslope cutthroat trout	3	69,020	23,007	4.7 in

Stocking history

20262 stockings · 34,020 fish

Date	Species	Fish	Size	Since previous	Hatchery
May 14Latest Thursday	Westslope cutthroat trout	17,010	4.7 in	1 week	Washoe Park Trout Hatchery
May 7 Thursday	Westslope cutthroat trout	17,010	4.7 in	302 days	Washoe Park Trout Hatchery

20251 stocking · 35,000 fish

Date	Species	Fish	Size	Since previous	Hatchery
Jul 9 Wednesday	Westslope cutthroat trout	35,000	4.3 in		Washoe Park Trout Hatchery

From Montana fish and wildlife agency reports, collected nightly and kept after the agency takes them down. Agencies revise reports; check the agency's report before you go. Seasons and limits: Montana fishing regulations.

Where is Elk Lake?

Beaverhead County, Montana. The marker is the agency's location for this water; streams are often stocked at several access points.

Directions Larger map Montana fishing regulations

Stocked waters near Elk Lake

Corral Cr (CORRAL CR)stream · 5 mistocked May 14, 2026

All stocked waters in Beaverhead County Stocked this week in Montana

Questions about Elk Lake

When was Elk Lake last stocked?: The latest reported stocking was May 14, 2026 (westslope cutthroat trout, 17,010 fish), according to Montana agency reports.
How often is Elk Lake stocked?: It was stocked 2 times in the last 12 months. Across all years on record, most stockings come in May.
Is Elk Lake stocked often?: The second most stocked of 11 waters in Beaverhead County. Stocked more often than 77% of Montana waters on our record. We count each day the agency reported stocking it.
What kind of trout are stocked in Elk Lake?: Westslope cutthroat trout (3 stockings, 69,020 fish).
How warm is the water near Elk Lake?: The nearest USGS gage read 32°F on Nov 9. Trout are sluggish below about 45°F. Fish slow and deep, midday is often best.