Thompson Falls Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–1974 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Falls Reservoir was last stocked April 30, 1974 with Kokanee. Thompson Falls Reservoir has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–1974, with about 1,005,365 fish stocked over that period.
When Thompson Falls Reservoir is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thompson Falls Reservoir
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 Thompson Falls Reservoir, 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 Thompson Falls Reservoir was last stocked April 30, 1974, 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 Thompson Falls Reservoir:
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.
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).
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.
Burbot Profile Tips
Targeted by a small but dedicated group of winter anglers, often through the ice.
Recommended Tackle for Thompson Falls Reservoir
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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Thompson Falls Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Thompson Park Pond
8 mi1 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tuffys Lake
5 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2024
Deer Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Outlaw Lake
3 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2022
Arrowhead Lake
7 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2022
Duckhead Lake
6 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 30, 1974 | Kokanee | 250,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1973 | Kokanee | 250,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1972 | Kokanee | 250,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1971 | Kokanee | 250,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1971 | Burbot | 425 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,275 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,665 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Thompson Falls Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Falls Reservoir was last stocked April 30, 1974 with Kokanee.
What fish species are stocked in Thompson Falls Reservoir?
Thompson Falls Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee, Burbot, and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Thompson Falls Reservoir stocked?
Thompson Falls Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1959 and 1974.
How many fish have been stocked in Thompson Falls Reservoir?
About 1,005,365 fish have been stocked in Thompson Falls Reservoir across 7 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Thompson Falls Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Thompson Falls Reservoir average about 7.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thompson Falls Reservoir?
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 Thompson Falls Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Thompson Falls Reservoir 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.