Tobacco River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1924–1998 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tobacco River was last stocked October 22, 1998 with Cutthroat Trout. Tobacco River has 113 stocking records on file, spanning 1924–1998, with about 595,656 fish stocked over that period.
When Tobacco River is stocked
Tobacco River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 48 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tobacco 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 Tobacco 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 Tobacco River was last stocked October 22, 1998, 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 Tobacco 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
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 Tobacco 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.
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 Tobacco River, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
6 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Swisher Lake
5 mi3 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2026
Moran Lake
5 mi3 species · 117 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
4 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sophie Lake
5 mi5 species · 241 records
Last stocked May 2026
Woods Ranch Pond
9 mi2 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2017
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 22, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,603 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 21,603 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,440 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,440 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,750 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,125 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,125 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,920 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,091 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,091 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,780 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 12,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 5, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,954 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,954 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,954 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,954 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,128 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,128 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,368 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 880 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 880 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1959 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,650 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,440 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1958 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,440 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 720 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 720 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1957 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,800 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 113 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Tobacco River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tobacco River was last stocked October 22, 1998 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tobacco River?
Tobacco River is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Tobacco River stocked?
Tobacco River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Tobacco River stocked?
Tobacco River has been stocked about 2 times a year — 113 recorded stockings between 1924 and 1998.
How many fish have been stocked in Tobacco River?
About 595,656 fish have been stocked in Tobacco River across 113 recorded events since 1924, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tobacco River?
Fish stocked in Tobacco River average about 4.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tobacco 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 Tobacco River?
Freshly stocked trout in Tobacco 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.