Lower Jocko Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–2004 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Jocko Lake was last stocked May 19, 2004 with Cutthroat Trout. Lower Jocko Lake has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–2004, with about 299,112 fish stocked over that period.
When Lower Jocko Lake is stocked
Lower Jocko Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lower Jocko Lake
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 Lower Jocko Lake, 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 Lower Jocko Lake was last stocked May 19, 2004, 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 Lower Jocko Lake:
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 Lower Jocko Lake
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.
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 Lower Jocko Lake, freshest activity first.
Lily Lake
4 mi3 species · 31 records
Last stocked August 2024
Fly Lake
8 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2019
Lake Marshall
8 mi2 species · 32 records
Last stocked June 2015
Upper Jocko Lake
1 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2004
Sudden Lake
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1980
Lookout Lake
5 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,460 | 3.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,712 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,025 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,009 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,984 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,245 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,122 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,129 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,341 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 13,427 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,012 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1975 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,240 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1974 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1973 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,004 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1972 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,131 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,504 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1954 | Cutthroat Trout | 24,541 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,336 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 35,970 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lower Jocko Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Jocko Lake was last stocked May 19, 2004 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lower Jocko Lake?
Lower Jocko Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Lower Jocko Lake stocked?
Lower Jocko Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Lower Jocko Lake stocked?
Lower Jocko Lake is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1948 and 2004.
How many fish have been stocked in Lower Jocko Lake?
About 299,112 fish have been stocked in Lower Jocko Lake across 23 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lower Jocko Lake?
Fish stocked in Lower Jocko Lake average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Jocko Lake?
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 Lower Jocko Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lower Jocko Lake 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.