South Fork Smith River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1934–1954 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Smith River was last stocked April 21, 1954 with Brook Trout. South Fork Smith River has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1934–1954, with about 318,690 fish stocked over that period.
When South Fork Smith River is stocked
South Fork Smith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for South Fork 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 South Fork 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 South Fork Smith River was last stocked April 21, 1954, 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 South Fork 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.
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 South Fork 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 South Fork Smith River, freshest activity first.
Gipsy Lake
11 mi2 species · 65 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cook Reservoir 2
6 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2026
Newlan Reservoir
8 mi5 species · 164 records
Last stocked May 2026
Newlan Creek
6 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2012
Cook Reservoir 1
6 mi2 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 1997
Schafer Pond
12 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 1992
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 21, 1954 | Brook Trout | 8,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 20,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1951 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1948 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1948 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1947 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1947 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1945 | Brook Trout | 18,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1943 | Brook Trout | 20,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1942 | Brook Trout | 8,667 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1942 | Brook Trout | 8,667 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1941 | Brook Trout | 20,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1941 | Brook Trout | 20,800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1940 | Brook Trout | 22,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1939 | Brook Trout | 21,150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1939 | Brook Trout | 21,150 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1934 | Brook Trout | 7,576 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was South Fork Smith River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, South Fork Smith River was last stocked April 21, 1954 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in South Fork Smith River?
South Fork Smith River is stocked with Brook Trout.
What time of year is South Fork Smith River stocked?
South Fork Smith River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is South Fork Smith River stocked?
South Fork Smith River is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1934 and 1954.
How many fish have been stocked in South Fork Smith River?
About 318,690 fish have been stocked in South Fork Smith River across 19 recorded events since 1934, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in South Fork Smith River?
Fish stocked in South Fork Smith River average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish South Fork 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 South Fork Smith River?
Freshly stocked trout in South Fork 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.