Jocko River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1991 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jocko River was last stocked June 13, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout. Jocko River has 203 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1991, with about 780,024 fish stocked over that period.
When Jocko River is stocked
Jocko River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 95 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Jocko 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 Jocko 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 Jocko River was last stocked June 13, 1991, 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 Jocko 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Jocko 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Jocko River, freshest activity first.
Ninepipes Pond (Allentown)
13 mi1 species · 133 records
Last stocked May 2026
Copper Lake
11 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Baldy Lake
12 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2022
Andres Pone
11 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2011
Mission Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 94 records
Last stocked June 2008
Ninepipe Reservoir
12 mi4 species · 14 records
Last stocked October 2005
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,200 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,628 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,628 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,498 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,498 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,278 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 2,278 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 4,510 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 4,968 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 4,968 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,995 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,995 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,348 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,348 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,206 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,206 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 402 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 402 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,214 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,214 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 472 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 472 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,070 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,070 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 203 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Jocko River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Jocko River was last stocked June 13, 1991 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Jocko River?
Jocko River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Jocko River stocked?
Jocko River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Jocko River stocked?
Jocko River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 203 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1991.
How many fish have been stocked in Jocko River?
About 780,024 fish have been stocked in Jocko River across 203 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Jocko River?
Fish stocked in Jocko River average about 7.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Jocko 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 Jocko River?
Freshly stocked trout in Jocko 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.