Tongue River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tongue River was last stocked April 27, 2020 with Rainbow Trout. Tongue River has 247 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–2020, with about 9,217,013 fish stocked over that period.
When Tongue River is stocked
Tongue River is typically stocked year-round, most often in October — 75 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tongue 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 Tongue 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 Tongue River was last stocked April 27, 2020, 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 Tongue 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Tongue 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Tongue River, freshest activity first.
Spotted Eagle Lake
1 mi12 species · 101 records
Last stocked October 2025
Dean Reservoir
10 mi5 species · 38 records
Last stocked June 2024
Fort Keogh Pond
4 mi3 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 2019
Miles City Hatchery Pond
2 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked April 2018
Cook Lake
1 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2002
Taylor Pond
4 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1986
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 7.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,077 | 7.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,077 | 7.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,170 | 9.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 2,170 | 9.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 8.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,019 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,019 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,517 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2002 | Brown Trout | 3,000 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,007 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,007 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2001 | Brown Trout | 3,060 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2001 | Brown Trout | 3,060 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,160 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2000 | Brown Trout | 3,360 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,050 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,050 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,093 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,093 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,015 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,003 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,999 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 2,040 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1991 | Walleye | 25,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1991 | Walleye | 25,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,035 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 2,035 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 1990 | Shovelnose Sturgeon | 40,000 | 0.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1989 | Walleye | 30,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1989 | Walleye | 30,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 2,203 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 247 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Tongue River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tongue River was last stocked April 27, 2020 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tongue River?
Tongue River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Walleye, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bullhead, Crappie, Golden Shiner, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish.
What time of year is Tongue River stocked?
Tongue River is typically stocked year-round, most often in October.
How often is Tongue River stocked?
Tongue River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 247 recorded stockings between 1931 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Tongue River?
About 9,217,013 fish have been stocked in Tongue River across 247 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tongue River?
Fish stocked in Tongue River average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tongue 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 Tongue River?
Freshly stocked trout in Tongue 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.