Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2002–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond was last stocked May 8, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond has 63 stocking records on file, spanning 2002–2025, with about 14,179 fish stocked over that period.
When Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond is stocked
Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 23 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Blacktail Meadows Kids 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 Blacktail Meadows Kids 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 Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond was last stocked May 8, 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 Blacktail Meadows Kids 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.
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 Blacktail Meadows Kids 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.
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 Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond, freshest activity first.
Skytop Lake
15 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked September 2024
Minneopa Lake
20 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2022
Timberline Lake
15 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2020
Deerhead Lake
20 mi2 species · 25 records
Last stocked July 2016
Beaverhead River
19 mi4 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2002
Grasshopper Creek
11 mi2 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 510 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 511 | 7.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 504 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 9.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 225 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 11.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | 20.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 18.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 20.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | 17.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 10.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | 6.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 71 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 70 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 113 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 62 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 11.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 63 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond was last stocked May 8, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond?
Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond stocked?
Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond stocked?
Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond has been stocked about 3 times a year — 63 recorded stockings between 2002 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond?
About 14,179 fish have been stocked in Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond across 63 recorded events since 2002, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond?
Fish stocked in Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond average about 15.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Blacktail Meadows Kids 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 Blacktail Meadows Kids Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Blacktail Meadows Kids 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.