Middle Fork Judith River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1929–1994 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Middle Fork Judith River was last stocked August 11, 1994 with Rainbow Trout. Middle Fork Judith River has 98 stocking records on file, spanning 1929–1994, with about 1,152,288 fish stocked over that period.
When Middle Fork Judith River is stocked
Middle Fork Judith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 35 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Middle Fork Judith 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 Middle Fork Judith 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 Middle Fork Judith River was last stocked August 11, 1994, 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 Middle Fork Judith 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.
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.
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 Middle Fork Judith 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 Middle Fork Judith River, freshest activity first.
Dipping Vat Pond
5 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 2025
South Fork Judith River
0 mi2 species · 171 records
Last stocked September 2011
Knutson Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked May 1984
Bayers Pond
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1983
Potter Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 1971
Yogo Creek
2 mi3 species · 46 records
Last stocked June 1961
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 336 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 336 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 382 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 428 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 428 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 673 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 673 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 357 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 357 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 765 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 547 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 547 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 26,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 52,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1947 | Cutthroat Trout | 52,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 51,540 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 51,540 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,400 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1942 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 98 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Middle Fork Judith River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Middle Fork Judith River was last stocked August 11, 1994 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Middle Fork Judith River?
Middle Fork Judith River is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Middle Fork Judith River stocked?
Middle Fork Judith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Middle Fork Judith River stocked?
Middle Fork Judith River has been stocked about 1 times a year — 98 recorded stockings between 1929 and 1994.
How many fish have been stocked in Middle Fork Judith River?
About 1,152,288 fish have been stocked in Middle Fork Judith River across 98 recorded events since 1929, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Middle Fork Judith River?
Fish stocked in Middle Fork Judith River average about 6.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Middle Fork Judith 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 Middle Fork Judith River?
Freshly stocked trout in Middle Fork Judith 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.