Lower Thompson Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Thompson Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Lower Thompson Lake has 160 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–2026, with about 4,701,613 fish stocked over that period.
When Lower Thompson Lake is stocked
Lower Thompson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 48 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lower Thompson 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 Thompson 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 Thompson Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026, 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 Thompson 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.
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.
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).
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.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Lower Thompson 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.
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 Lower Thompson Lake, freshest activity first.
Cibid Lake
7 mi2 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Leon Lake
8 mi5 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2026
Mcgregor Lake
8 mi7 species · 334 records
Last stocked May 2026
Middle Thompson Lake
2 mi6 species · 153 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cad Lake
7 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2024
Topless Lake
7 mi3 species · 46 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 19,396 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2024 | Kokanee | 39,614 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 24,326 | 2.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2023 | Kokanee | 20,000 | 2.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2022 | Kokanee | 50,059 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2021 | Kokanee | 37,620 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2020 | Kokanee | 50,820 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 22,736 | 3.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2019 | Kokanee | 50,435 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 3.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Kokanee | 49,581 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2016 | Kokanee | 50,195 | 2.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2015 | Kokanee | 110,595 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 3.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2013 | Kokanee | 71,979 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 7,825 | 4.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 14,175 | 3.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 4.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2012 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 9,996 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2011 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 9,966 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 9,966 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 1.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 19,980 | 3.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2009 | Kokanee | 100,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 20,070 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2008 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 7,500 | 3.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2008 | Kokanee | 33,900 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2008 | Kokanee | 65,000 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 12,654 | 3.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2007 | Largemouth Bass | 3,900 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2007 | Kokanee | 53,900 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 9,632 | 3.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 9,658 | 3.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 714 | 4.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2006 | Largemouth Bass | 3,780 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 20,640 | 4.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2006 | Kokanee | 34,120 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Kokanee | 34,560 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Kokanee | 31,680 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 20,160 | 4.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2005 | Kokanee | 41,160 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2005 | Kokanee | 59,904 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 1.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 22,714 | 3.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 160 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lower Thompson Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lower Thompson Lake was last stocked June 23, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lower Thompson Lake?
Lower Thompson Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Lower Thompson Lake stocked?
Lower Thompson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Lower Thompson Lake stocked?
Lower Thompson Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 160 recorded stockings between 1930 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lower Thompson Lake?
About 4,701,613 fish have been stocked in Lower Thompson Lake across 160 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lower Thompson Lake?
Fish stocked in Lower Thompson Lake average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Thompson 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 Thompson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Lower Thompson 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.