Jefferson River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jefferson River was last stocked September 10, 2003 with Arctic Grayling. Jefferson River has 286 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–2003, with about 2,469,377 fish stocked over that period.
When Jefferson River is stocked
Jefferson River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 100 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jefferson River
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 Jefferson River, 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 Jefferson River was last stocked September 10, 2003, 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 Jefferson River:
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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Jefferson River
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Jefferson River, freshest activity first.
Three Forks Pond
3 mi6 species · 234 records
Last stocked June 2006
Gallatin River
1 mi3 species · 495 records
Last stocked April 2006
Madison River
0 mi5 species · 1310 records
Last stocked April 2006
East Gallatin River
9 mi4 species · 51 records
Last stocked August 1995
Plunket Lake
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked February 1993
North Willow Creek
6 mi3 species · 34 records
Last stocked September 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 8,160 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 8,160 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 10,240 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 10,240 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1990 | Brown Trout | 30,579 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1990 | Brown Trout | 30,579 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,880 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,880 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,716 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,716 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,794 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,794 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,161 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,161 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,836 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,106 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 4,106 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,216 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,072 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,072 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,354 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,216 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,354 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,124 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,318 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,318 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,124 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,639 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,639 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,210 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,210 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,524 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,524 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,652 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,505 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,505 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,411 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,411 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,411 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,294 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 2,294 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 286 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Jefferson River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jefferson River was last stocked September 10, 2003 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Jefferson River?
Jefferson River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Bass.
What time of year is Jefferson River stocked?
Jefferson River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Jefferson River stocked?
Jefferson River has been stocked about 4 times a year — 286 recorded stockings between 1928 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Jefferson River?
About 2,469,377 fish have been stocked in Jefferson River across 286 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jefferson River?
Fish stocked in Jefferson River average about 8.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jefferson River?
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 Jefferson River?
Freshly stocked trout in Jefferson River 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.