Bearmouth Rest Area Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1970–1985 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bearmouth Rest Area Pond was last stocked June 21, 1985 with Rainbow Trout. Bearmouth Rest Area Pond has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–1985, with about 8,538 fish stocked over that period.
When Bearmouth Rest Area Pond is stocked
Bearmouth Rest Area Pond is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bearmouth Rest Area 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 Bearmouth Rest Area 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 Bearmouth Rest Area Pond was last stocked June 21, 1985, 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 Bearmouth Rest Area 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.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Bearmouth Rest Area 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bearmouth Rest Area Pond, freshest activity first.
Conad Pond
10 mi1 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2026
Beavertail Pond
11 mi3 species · 271 records
Last stocked May 2026
Big Bear Lake
10 mi1 species · 30 records
Last stocked October 2024
Martin Lake
11 mi4 species · 32 records
Last stocked July 2023
Wyman Creek
8 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 1991
Radtke Pond
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1981
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 529 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 541 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 561 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 231 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 590 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 536 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 532 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1977 | Brook Trout | 682 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 635 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 527 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 540 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 16, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 210 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bearmouth Rest Area Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bearmouth Rest Area Pond was last stocked June 21, 1985 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bearmouth Rest Area Pond?
Bearmouth Rest Area Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Bearmouth Rest Area Pond stocked?
Bearmouth Rest Area Pond is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Bearmouth Rest Area Pond stocked?
Bearmouth Rest Area Pond is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1970 and 1985.
How many fish have been stocked in Bearmouth Rest Area Pond?
About 8,538 fish have been stocked in Bearmouth Rest Area Pond across 17 recorded events since 1970, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bearmouth Rest Area Pond?
Fish stocked in Bearmouth Rest Area Pond average about 5.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bearmouth Rest Area 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 Bearmouth Rest Area Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Bearmouth Rest Area 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.