Smith River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1973 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith River was last stocked July 6, 1973 with Rainbow Trout. Smith River has 353 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1973, with about 6,499,477 fish stocked over that period.
When Smith River is stocked
Smith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 150 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith River was last stocked July 6, 1973, 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 Smith 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Smith 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 Smith River, freshest activity first.
Wadsworth Lake
8 mi5 species · 104 records
Last stocked May 2026
Giant Springs Fishing Pond
14 mi2 species · 202 records
Last stocked October 2025
Largent Bend Pond # 2
11 mi3 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Largent Bend Pond # 3
11 mi3 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2024
Borgstrom Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2019
Woodland Estates Pond
5 mi1 species · 25 records
Last stocked May 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 420 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,346 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,346 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,224 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 435 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 435 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 425 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,407 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,407 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 516 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 516 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,958 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,958 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 412 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 412 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 653 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 653 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,244 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,244 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 905 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 905 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,142 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,836 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,915 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,915 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,340 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,340 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,135 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,448 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,230 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,230 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,570 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,784 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 353 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Smith River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith River was last stocked July 6, 1973 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Smith River?
Smith River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Smith River stocked?
Smith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Smith River stocked?
Smith River has been stocked about 8 times a year — 353 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1973.
How many fish have been stocked in Smith River?
About 6,499,477 fish have been stocked in Smith River across 353 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Smith River?
Fish stocked in Smith River average about 6.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smith 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 Smith River?
Freshly stocked trout in Smith 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.