Upper Thompson Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Upper Thompson Lake was last stocked June 18, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Upper Thompson Lake has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–2024, with about 448,946 fish stocked over that period.
When Upper Thompson Lake is stocked
Upper Thompson Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Upper Thompson Lake
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 Upper Thompson Lake, 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 Upper Thompson Lake was last stocked June 18, 2024, 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 Upper Thompson Lake:
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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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 Upper Thompson Lake
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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Upper Thompson Lake, freshest activity first.
Lower Thompson Lake
5 mi6 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cibid Lake
3 mi2 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Leon Lake
3 mi5 species · 75 records
Last stocked June 2026
Middle Thompson Lake
3 mi6 species · 153 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cad Lake
2 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2024
Topless Lake
3 mi3 species · 46 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 20,020 | 3.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 20,736 | 3.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 20,328 | 3.66" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 20,760 | 3.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 5,500 | 5.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 14,178 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 526 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 604 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 544 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 207 | 19.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 11.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,998 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 5,018 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,995 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,002 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1976 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,989 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1969 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1963 | Kokanee | 103,408 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1953 | Kokanee | 50,752 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1952 | Kokanee | 90,135 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1951 | Brook Trout | 400 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1948 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1946 | Brook Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1946 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1944 | Kokanee | 22,500 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1943 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1943 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1942 | Brook Trout | 2,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1941 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1936 | Cutthroat Trout | 25,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Upper Thompson Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Upper Thompson Lake was last stocked June 18, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Upper Thompson Lake?
Upper Thompson Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Upper Thompson Lake stocked?
Upper Thompson Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Upper Thompson Lake stocked?
Upper Thompson Lake is stocked intermittently — 35 recorded stockings between 1936 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Upper Thompson Lake?
About 448,946 fish have been stocked in Upper Thompson Lake across 35 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Upper Thompson Lake?
Fish stocked in Upper Thompson Lake average about 5.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Upper Thompson Lake?
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 Upper Thompson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Upper Thompson Lake 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.