Tiger trout introduction to Companion Lake: Draft Checklist Environmental Assessment
May 22, 2025 3:54 PM
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is proposing to introduce tiger trout from a state hatchery operated by FWP into Companion Lake in the Beartooth Mountains. Tiger trout are a sterile hybrid cross between a brook trout and brown trout. They can provide excellent sportfishing opportunities as they are aggressive and can grow to large size. Tiger trout are not native to the drainage and have not been present historically.
Located on United States Forest Service land, Companion Lake is high-elevation lake (9,393 ft) in the Beartooth Mountains that is 7 surface acres with a max depth of 24 feet. The lake is accessible via Goose Lake Jeep Trail. There are no stocking records for Companion Lake; however, a self-sustaining brook trout population has been present for decades that were introduced during some undocumented stocking event. Most brook trout in Companion Lake are small.
Since tiger trout are sterile, their numbers can be highly managed by stocking practices. Companion Lake has abundant small brook trout that may provide adequate forage opportunities for tiger trout. Converting stunted trout biomass of an introduced species to a desirable recreational species such as tiger trout could improve the recreational fishery at Companion Lake and potentially grow larger individuals than the currently present brook trout.
This project would begin in 2025. Stocking will likely occur via helicopter; however, they may be stocked with pack stock and/or backpacks.
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Public Comment Opportunity
Deadline: Comments are due by 5 p.m. on June 5, 2025.
Written comments can be mailed to:
Montana FWP Region 5
Attn: Companion Lake Tiger Trout
2300 Lake Elmo Drive
Billings, MT 59105
Emailed comments can be sent to bryan.giordano@mt.gov.
Please use subject: Companion Lake Tiger Trout