Cutthroat Trout Stocked · 2 plants · last July 24, 2017 Last stocked July 24, 2017 · avg 2.4 in · 2 plants
Cutthroat Trout species guideFossil Lake fishing
Fossil Lake fishing: not stocked since July 24, 2017. It was stocked with Cutthroat Trout on a high alpine lake.
- Last stocked
- July 24, 2017
- · Cutthroat Trout
- Plants on record
- 2
- Since 2014
- Species recorded
- 1
- Average size
- 2.4 in
- Elevation
- 9,887.2 ft
Fish at Fossil Lake
Around the dates Fossil Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 51.6°F in July. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Cutthroat Trout Stocked · 2 plants · last July 24, 2017 Fossil Lake is found by following the East Rosebud Trail, which climbs steadily for 16 miles. This trail is recognized for a multitude of trout filled lakes. (fs.usda.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Fossil Lake is stocked
No plants recorded in 2015 and 2016.
Fish stocked in 2014
10,000
Fish stocked in 2017
9,000
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,000 | 2.3 in | report |
| July 28, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,000 | 2.5 in | report |
Access and facts
- Water type
- high alpine
A 165-acre Beartooth lake at 9,896 feet, above treeline, up to 150 feet deep. Hike 10 miles from the Clarks Fork Trailhead or 16 miles up East Rosebud Trail #15, the Beaten Path. A popular camping spot, but there is no firewood; FWP says camp away from the lake.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you go.
Nearest lakes
Public land at Fossil Lake
Fossil Lake is inside Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
It is 0.1 miles outside the edge of Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Boundaries from Public Lands DB, part of the same network.
Common questions
What fish are at Fossil Lake?
Fishing Fossil Lake usually means Cutthroat Trout. All 2 plants on record are Cutthroat Trout. Cutthroat Trout was last stocked July 24, 2017, averaging 2.4 in.
When is Fossil Lake stocked?
Not stocked since July 24, 2017. No plants recorded in 2015 and 2016.
How big are the fish stocked at Fossil Lake?
Cutthroat Trout stocked at Fossil Lake average 2.4 in.
How do you get on Fossil Lake?
A 165-acre Beartooth lake at 9,896 feet, above treeline, up to 150 feet deep. Hike 10 miles from the Clarks Fork Trailhead or 16 miles up East Rosebud Trail #15, the Beaten Path. A popular camping spot, but there is no firewood; FWP says camp away from the lake.
Which lakes near Fossil Lake were stocked more recently?
Rock Island Lake (5.3 mi), East Rosebud Lake (10.1 mi), Albino Lake (11.5 mi), and West Rosebud Lake (11.6 mi) were stocked more recently. Rock Island Lake is also stocked with Cutthroat Trout, East Rosebud Lake is also stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Albino Lake is also stocked with Cutthroat Trout, and West Rosebud Lake is also stocked with Cutthroat Trout.