Big Timber Trout Pond #1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1983–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Timber Trout Pond #1 was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Big Timber Trout Pond #1 has 31 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2025, with about 32,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Timber Trout Pond #1 is stocked
Big Timber Trout Pond #1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Timber Trout Pond #1
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 Big Timber Trout Pond #1, 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 Big Timber Trout Pond #1 was last stocked May 12, 2025, 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 Big Timber Trout Pond #1:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Big Timber Trout Pond #1
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.
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 Big Timber Trout Pond #1, freshest activity first.
Schlesinger Reservoir 1
14 mi4 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2025
Harold Newman Pond
14 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2021
Big Timber Trout Pond
5 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2021
Grebe Pond #2
15 mi3 species · 34 records
Last stocked April 2020
Hofer Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked April 2013
Grebe Reservoir 1
11 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked April 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 1.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 23 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Big Timber Trout Pond #1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Big Timber Trout Pond #1 was last stocked May 12, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Timber Trout Pond #1?
Big Timber Trout Pond #1 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Timber Trout Pond #1 stocked?
Big Timber Trout Pond #1 is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Big Timber Trout Pond #1 stocked?
Big Timber Trout Pond #1 is stocked intermittently — 31 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Timber Trout Pond #1?
About 32,000 fish have been stocked in Big Timber Trout Pond #1 across 31 recorded events since 1983, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Timber Trout Pond #1?
Fish stocked in Big Timber Trout Pond #1 average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Timber Trout Pond #1?
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 Big Timber Trout Pond #1?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Timber Trout Pond #1 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.