Kootenai River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1940–2008 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kootenai River was last stocked April 25, 2008 with White Sturgeon. Kootenai River has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1940–2008, with about 1,391,600 fish stocked over that period.
When Kootenai River is stocked
Kootenai River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kootenai 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 Kootenai 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 Kootenai River was last stocked April 25, 2008, 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 Kootenai 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
White Sturgeon Profile Tips
A tightly regulated catch-and-release fishery in most waters given the species' slow growth and vulnerable, isolated reservoir populations.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Kootenai 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Kootenai River, freshest activity first.
Troy Kids Pond
7 mi3 species · 214 records
Last stocked June 2026
Kilbrennan Lake
5 mi3 species · 62 records
Last stocked June 2015
Shannon Lake
12 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1989
O'Brien Creek
9 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 1978
Arbo Creek
6 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1976
Yaak River
0 mi3 species · 247 records
Last stocked June 1975
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2008 | White Sturgeon | 400 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2008 | White Sturgeon | 400 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 70,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 122,750 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 122,750 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 73,650 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 73,650 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1948 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1941 | Kokanee | 58,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 40,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1940 | Kokanee | 45,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kootenai River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kootenai River was last stocked April 25, 2008 with White Sturgeon.
What fish species are stocked in Kootenai River?
Kootenai River is stocked with White Sturgeon, Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee.
What time of year is Kootenai River stocked?
Kootenai River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Kootenai River stocked?
Kootenai River is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1940 and 2008.
How many fish have been stocked in Kootenai River?
About 1,391,600 fish have been stocked in Kootenai River across 26 recorded events since 1940, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kootenai River?
Fish stocked in Kootenai River average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kootenai 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 Kootenai River?
Freshly stocked trout in Kootenai 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.