Madison River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–2006 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Madison River was last stocked April 11, 2006 with Arctic Grayling. Madison River has 1,310 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–2006, with about 6,372,854 fish stocked over that period.
When Madison River is stocked
Madison River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 191 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison River was last stocked April 11, 2006, 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 Madison 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
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 Madison 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 Madison 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
Jefferson River
0 mi5 species · 286 records
Last stocked September 2003
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 2,533 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 7,160 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 5,967 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2006 | Arctic Grayling | 5,967 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 3,693 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 3,693 | 8.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 7,452 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2005 | Arctic Grayling | 7,452 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 7,697 | 7.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 7,697 | 7.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,559 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 6,839 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 6,839 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Arctic Grayling | 5,559 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 20,637 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 23,065 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 20,637 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2003 | Arctic Grayling | 23,065 | 2.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 9,315 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 9,315 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 4,000 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2002 | Arctic Grayling | 4,000 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 7,098 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 7,385 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 7,098 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2001 | Arctic Grayling | 7,385 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 4, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,664 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,930 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 15,930 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,370 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,370 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,404 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 4,404 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,201 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Madison River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Madison River was last stocked April 11, 2006 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Madison River?
Madison River is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Madison River stocked?
Madison River is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Madison River stocked?
Madison River has been stocked about 18 times a year — 1,310 recorded stockings between 1934 and 2006.
How many fish have been stocked in Madison River?
About 6,372,854 fish have been stocked in Madison River across 1,310 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Madison River?
Fish stocked in Madison River average about 9.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Madison 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 Madison River?
Freshly stocked trout in Madison 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.