Lower Thompson Lake fishing

Fishing at Lower Thompson Lake has Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Largemouth Bass on the stocking report. It is stocked about 1.6 times a year since 2011, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

June 23, 2026

Plants on record

25

Since 2011

Species recorded

3

Average size

2.9 in

Elevation

3,334.4 ft

Access and facts

Nearest town
Libby
Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
camping

Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park has a concrete boat ramp at the Peninsula on Lower Thompson Lake. The park stretches along Highway 2 between Kalispell and Libby, with 83 rustic campsites (no drinking water) and an $8 nonresident day fee.

Sources: access , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes , watch_outs

How Lower Thompson Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of May. In 2026 it was June 23, 2026, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 2018 and 2025.

Fish at Lower Thompson Lake

Fishing Lower Thompson Lake is most likely to be for Kokanee Salmon. Kokanee Salmon accounts for 12 of 25 plants on record, ahead of Rainbow Trout and one more.

Around the dates Lower Thompson Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 60.3°F in June, 52.6°F in May, 41.8°F in April, 69.9°F in July. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo

Kokanee Salmon 12 plants
Plants
12 of 25
Last stocked
April 24, 2024
Average length
2.4 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Kokanee Salmon guide.

Rainbow Trout 11 plants
Plants
11 of 25
Last stocked
June 23, 2026
Average length
3.7 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Largemouth Bass 2 plants
Plants
2 of 25
Last stocked
July 25, 2012
Average length
1.4 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Largemouth Bass guide.

Fishing Lower Thompson Lake

Lower Thompson Lake is one of 18 lakes that are part of an extensive park, stretching along a 20-mile string of lakes. This park offers shoreline access, and the lakes are especially noted for great fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and camping.

Sources: fwp.mt.gov

What to watch for

The roads within Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park are primitive and not recommended for motor homes and large trailers. Additionally, these roads are not maintained during winter months.

Fish stocked per year

  • 135,9282011
  • 126,0002012
  • 93,9792013
  • 18,0002014
  • 110,5952015
  • 50,1952016
  • 69,5812017
  • 50,4352019
  • 73,5562020
  • 37,6202021
  • 50,0592022
  • 44,3262023
  • 39,6142024
  • 19,3962026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 25 plants Showing 25 plants

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 23, 2026 Rainbow Trout 19,396 3.22 in report
April 24, 2024 Kokanee Salmon 39,614 2.35 in report
June 8, 2023 Rainbow Trout 24,326 2.74 in report
April 27, 2023 Kokanee Salmon 20,000 2.71 in report
April 27, 2022 Kokanee Salmon 50,059 2 in report
April 26, 2021 Kokanee Salmon 37,620 3 in report
May 5, 2020 Kokanee Salmon 50,820 2.5 in report
April 30, 2020 Rainbow Trout 22,736 3.53 in report
May 8, 2019 Kokanee Salmon 50,435 2 in report
July 14, 2017 Rainbow Trout 20,000 3.91 in report
May 24, 2017 Kokanee Salmon 49,581 2.27 in report
May 10, 2016 Kokanee Salmon 50,195 2.09 in report
May 27, 2015 Kokanee Salmon 110,595 2.3 in report
July 1, 2014 Rainbow Trout 18,000 3.41 in report
June 20, 2013 Kokanee Salmon 71,979 3 in report
June 4, 2013 Rainbow Trout 14,175 3.62 in report
June 4, 2013 Rainbow Trout 7,825 4.31 in report
July 25, 2012 Largemouth Bass 6,000 1.2 in report
June 18, 2012 Rainbow Trout 20,000 4.07 in report
May 7, 2012 Kokanee Salmon 100,000 2.3 in report
July 27, 2011 Largemouth Bass 6,000 1.6 in report
June 14, 2011 Rainbow Trout 9,996 3.52 in report
June 14, 2011 Kokanee Salmon 100,000 2 in report
June 7, 2011 Rainbow Trout 9,966 4.02 in report
June 7, 2011 Rainbow Trout 9,966 4.02 in report
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Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes