Buffalohead Park Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1999–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buffalohead Park Pond was last stocked June 12, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Buffalohead Park Pond has 43 stocking records on file, spanning 1999–2025, with about 16,442 fish stocked over that period.
When Buffalohead Park Pond is stocked
Buffalohead Park Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 32 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Buffalohead Park 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 Buffalohead Park 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 Buffalohead Park Pond was last stocked June 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 Buffalohead Park 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.
Recommended Tackle for Buffalohead Park 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 Buffalohead Park Pond, freshest activity first.
Beaver Lake
4 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked June 2026
Snappys Pond
3 mi4 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shady Lane Pond
4 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Finger Lake
2 mi3 species · 53 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pine Grove Pond
2 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Foy Lake
4 mi11 species · 274 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 7.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 261 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 9.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 180 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 35 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 8.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 502 | 9.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 10.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 601 | 9.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 14.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 12.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 180 | 9.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 601 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 10.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 9.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 605 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 608 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 10.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 120 | 10.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 623 | 8.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 608 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 9.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 609 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 10.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 601 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 11.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 625 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 14.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 616 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 13.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 602 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,250 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 9.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 100 | 10.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 400 | 9.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Buffalohead Park Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Buffalohead Park Pond was last stocked June 12, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Buffalohead Park Pond?
Buffalohead Park Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Buffalohead Park Pond stocked?
Buffalohead Park Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Buffalohead Park Pond stocked?
Buffalohead Park Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 43 recorded stockings between 1999 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Buffalohead Park Pond?
About 16,442 fish have been stocked in Buffalohead Park Pond across 43 recorded events since 1999, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Buffalohead Park Pond?
Fish stocked in Buffalohead Park Pond average about 9.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Buffalohead Park 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 Buffalohead Park Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Buffalohead Park 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.