Tour Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery

BIG TIMBER, MT. – Joining Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Governor Greg Gianforte on July 30th, loaded planes for aerial fish plants in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

“Montana’s fisheries provide amazing recreational opportunities while protecting native fish species and critical aquatic habitat,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s exciting to see the results of the work of our FWP biologists to maintain our outstanding hatchery program and increase fishing opportunities for Montanans.”

Gov. Gianforte hearing from FWP staff about aerial fish stocking at the Yellowstone Fish Hatchery in Big Timber

FWP’s stocking program provides anglers pursuing both warm and cold water species with recreational opportunities in Montana’s lakes and reservoirs. The stocking completed today is for five of the Rainbow Lakes.

In 2023, the FWP Hatchery’s Division stocked more than 100,000 Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout across Montana. In total, more than 17.7 million fish were stocked in over 500 waterbodies throughout the state.

Touring the Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery in Big Timber, the governor heard from Hatchery Manager Chris Phillips on the hatchery’s involvement in FWP’s stocking program.

“All of the fish planted today are Yellowstone Cutthroat trout raised right here in Big Timber. FWP will stock over 26,000 of our fish and the average fish size is 2 inches in length,” Phillips said.

After touring the hatchery, the governor, FWP staff, and hatchery managers helped load thousands of fish onto a helicopter that will run on 45-minute intervals to drop fish in five backcountry lakes.

Lakes in Montana are stocked based on lake conditions and use. Typically, active lakes are restocked on a four-year cycle while those with less visitation are stocked every eight years.

“We determine a comfortable number for habitat and productivity to reach the ultimate goal which Is to raise and increase access to high-quality fish for sportsmen,” Phillips added.

Increasing public access to public lands for sportsmen and recreators is a top priority for the governor.

Earlier this year, the governor was proud to celebrate the opening of the new North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area along the Yellowstone River to boost public access and provide boat-in and walk-in access to anglers, hunters, hikers, and other recreationists.

“When we go out and recreate in the backcountry or nearby lake, Montanans like to catch fish. Through the FWP hatchery program, we are able to supplement the natural reproduction of our species and support the recreation we love to do in Montana,” the governor added.

Montanans interested in learning more about mountain lake recreation access and fish stocking data should explore the FWP Region 5 2024 Mountain Lake Guide here.