Bozeman Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1960–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bozeman Pond was last stocked September 15, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Bozeman Pond has 389 stocking records on file, spanning 1960–2025, with about 206,194 fish stocked over that period.
When Bozeman Pond is stocked
Bozeman Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 105 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bozeman 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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman Pond was last stocked September 15, 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 Bozeman 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Bozeman 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 Bozeman Pond, freshest activity first.
Regional Parks Ponds
1 mi1 species · 24 records
Last stocked June 2026
Valley West Pond
1 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cattail Lake
3 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked May 2026
The Lakes Subdivision
2 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2025
Elk Grove Community Pond
6 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2025
Davis Ponds
2 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 1977
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 10.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 622 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 614 | 7.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 11.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 28 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 65 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 94 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 43 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 13.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 389 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bozeman Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bozeman Pond was last stocked September 15, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bozeman Pond?
Bozeman Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Golden Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Bozeman Pond stocked?
Bozeman Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Bozeman Pond stocked?
Bozeman Pond has been stocked about 6 times a year — 389 recorded stockings between 1960 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bozeman Pond?
About 206,194 fish have been stocked in Bozeman Pond across 389 recorded events since 1960, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bozeman Pond?
Fish stocked in Bozeman Pond average about 14.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bozeman 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 Bozeman Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Bozeman 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.