Thompson Park Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2000–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Park Pond was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Thompson Park Pond has 64 stocking records on file, spanning 2000–2026, with about 13,512 fish stocked over that period.
When Thompson Park Pond is stocked
Thompson Park Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 21 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thompson Park Pond
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 Park Pond, 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 Park Pond was last stocked May 19, 2026, 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 Park Pond:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Thompson Park Pond
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.
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 Park Pond, freshest activity first.
Deer Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Arrowhead Lake
7 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked August 2022
Lawn Lake
8 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2022
Duckhead Lake
7 mi2 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2022
Rainy Creek
8 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2012
Thompson River
8 mi4 species · 384 records
Last stocked June 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 290 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 270 | 7.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 7.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 776 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 315 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 8.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 16.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 11.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 9.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 17, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 11.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 11.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 117 | 11.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 162 | 11.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 151 | 10.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 10.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 227 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 220 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 234 | 11.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 9.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 14.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 11.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 28 | 22.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 226 | 10.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 251 | 11.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 11.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 26 | 19.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 27, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 9 | 26.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 17 | 21.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 64 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Thompson Park Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson Park Pond was last stocked May 19, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Thompson Park Pond?
Thompson Park Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Thompson Park Pond stocked?
Thompson Park Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Thompson Park Pond stocked?
Thompson Park Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 64 recorded stockings between 2000 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Thompson Park Pond?
About 13,512 fish have been stocked in Thompson Park Pond across 64 recorded events since 2000, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Thompson Park Pond?
Fish stocked in Thompson Park Pond average about 12.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thompson Park Pond?
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 Park Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Thompson Park Pond 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.