Thompson River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1930–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson River was last stocked June 19, 1989 with Brown Trout. Thompson River has 384 stocking records on file, spanning 1930–1989, with about 3,386,089 fish stocked over that period.
When Thompson River is stocked
Thompson River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 140 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thompson 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 Thompson 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 Thompson River was last stocked June 19, 1989, 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 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 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 Thompson River, freshest activity first.
Thompson Park Pond
8 mi1 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2026
Deer Lake
6 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2024
Tuffys Lake
6 mi1 species · 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 1989 | Brown Trout | 25,420 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1989 | Brown Trout | 25,420 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1988 | Brown Trout | 5,580 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1988 | Brown Trout | 5,580 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1988 | Brown Trout | 25,077 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1988 | Brown Trout | 25,271 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1988 | Brown Trout | 25,271 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,449 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,449 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,392 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,532 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,532 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,122 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,653 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,272 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,272 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,952 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,952 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,410 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,410 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,410 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,406 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,406 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,145 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,145 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,270 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,270 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,585 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,585 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,949 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 384 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Thompson River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thompson River was last stocked June 19, 1989 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Thompson River?
Thompson River is stocked with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Thompson River stocked?
Thompson River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Thompson River stocked?
Thompson River has been stocked about 6 times a year — 384 recorded stockings between 1930 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Thompson River?
About 3,386,089 fish have been stocked in Thompson River across 384 recorded events since 1930, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Thompson River?
Fish stocked in Thompson River average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thompson 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 Thompson River?
Freshly stocked trout in Thompson 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.