Arapooish Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1972–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Arapooish Pond was last stocked September 12, 2023 with Largemouth Bass. Arapooish Pond has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1972–2023, with about 171,146 fish stocked over that period.
When Arapooish Pond is stocked
Arapooish Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Arapooish Pond
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 Arapooish Pond, 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 Arapooish Pond was last stocked September 12, 2023, 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 Arapooish Pond:
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Recommended Tackle for Arapooish Pond
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Arapooish Pond, freshest activity first.
Rocky Ranch Interstate Pond
8 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2025
Hay Corral Pond
9 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2023
East Fork Pond
18 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2023
Reno Creek Pond
20 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2023
Rocky Ranch Hardin Pond
7 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1995
Rocky Ranch House Pond
8 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 12, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 2,200 | 2.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 2.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 2.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2012 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2003 | Largemouth Bass | 3,900 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2003 | Largemouth Bass | 5,100 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2001 | Largemouth Bass | 9,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1992 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 3,864 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 44,550 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1984 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1982 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 6,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 6,520 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 7,497 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 5,015 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 14, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Arapooish Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Arapooish Pond was last stocked September 12, 2023 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Arapooish Pond?
Arapooish Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Arapooish Pond stocked?
Arapooish Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Arapooish Pond stocked?
Arapooish Pond is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1972 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Arapooish Pond?
About 171,146 fish have been stocked in Arapooish Pond across 24 recorded events since 1972, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Arapooish Pond?
Fish stocked in Arapooish Pond average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Arapooish Pond?
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 Arapooish Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Arapooish Pond 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.