Two Medicine River Fish Stocking
Montana · 1931–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Two Medicine River was last stocked September 12, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Two Medicine River has 72 stocking records on file, spanning 1931–1989, with about 2,043,765 fish stocked over that period.
When Two Medicine River is stocked
Two Medicine River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 33 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Two Medicine 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 Two Medicine 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 Two Medicine River was last stocked September 12, 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 Two Medicine 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Two Medicine 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 Two Medicine River, freshest activity first.
Mission Lake
19 mi6 species · 179 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Frances
14 mi5 species · 181 records
Last stocked June 2025
Lake Shel-oole
17 mi2 species · 50 records
Last stocked September 2021
Cut Bank Creek
0 mi4 species · 285 records
Last stocked July 2009
Four Horns Lake
24 mi3 species · 74 records
Last stocked September 2008
Badger Creek
16 mi3 species · 127 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 12, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 11,670 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 11,670 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,520 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,052 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,052 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,510 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 3,510 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 3,120 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 260,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 260,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 51,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 51,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 56,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 56,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 29,900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 29,900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 29,900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 29,900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 27,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 27,400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 4,200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 560 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 18,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 18,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 32,384 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 32,384 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 36,761 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 40,067 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 40,067 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 41,232 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 41,232 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 40,067 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 40,067 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1955 | Rainbow Trout | 40,020 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 72 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Two Medicine River last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Two Medicine River was last stocked September 12, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Two Medicine River?
Two Medicine River is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Two Medicine River stocked?
Two Medicine River is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Two Medicine River stocked?
Two Medicine River has been stocked about 1 times a year — 72 recorded stockings between 1931 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Two Medicine River?
About 2,043,765 fish have been stocked in Two Medicine River across 72 recorded events since 1931, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Two Medicine River?
Fish stocked in Two Medicine River average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Two Medicine 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 Two Medicine River?
Freshly stocked trout in Two Medicine 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.