Brown Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–1988 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brown Pond was last stocked June 14, 1988 with Largemouth Bass. Brown Pond has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–1988, with about 51,966 fish stocked over that period.
When Brown Pond is stocked
Brown Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Brown 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 Brown 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 Brown Pond was last stocked June 14, 1988, 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 Brown 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Brown 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Brown Pond, freshest activity first.
Brown Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2023
Flying V Ranch Ponds
13 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked July 2012
Wolf Mountain Lookout Pond
8 mi2 species · 44 records
Last stocked June 2008
Yellow Weasel Pond
12 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2007
Spear-o Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1999
Maxwell Pond
15 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 1988 | Largemouth Bass | 5,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 5,022 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 5,009 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 5,015 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 28, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 5,100 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Brown Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Brown Pond was last stocked June 14, 1988 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Brown Pond?
Brown Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Brown Pond stocked?
Brown Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Brown Pond stocked?
Brown Pond is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1968 and 1988.
How many fish have been stocked in Brown Pond?
About 51,966 fish have been stocked in Brown Pond across 12 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Brown Pond?
Fish stocked in Brown Pond average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Brown 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 Brown Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Brown 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.