Beaver Ponds Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–1981 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Beaver Ponds was last stocked July 15, 1981 with Cutthroat Trout. Beaver Ponds has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–1981, with about 4,960 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Beaver Ponds
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 Beaver Ponds, 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 Beaver Ponds was last stocked July 15, 1981, 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 Beaver Ponds:
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Beaver Ponds
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 Beaver Ponds, freshest activity first.
Ovis Lake
12 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2016
Yankee Jim Lake
9 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2005
Sedge Lake
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1997
Aldridge Lake
4 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 1993
North Fork Bear Creek
9 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 1963
Mulherin Creek
6 mi2 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1962
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Beaver Ponds last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Beaver Ponds was last stocked July 15, 1981 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Beaver Ponds?
Beaver Ponds is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Beaver Ponds stocked?
Beaver Ponds is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1964 and 1981.
How many fish have been stocked in Beaver Ponds?
About 4,960 fish have been stocked in Beaver Ponds across 2 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Beaver Ponds?
Fish stocked in Beaver Ponds average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Beaver Ponds?
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 Beaver Ponds?
Freshly stocked trout in Beaver Ponds 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.