Cart Coulee Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1977–1982 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cart Coulee Pond was last stocked April 27, 1982 with Rainbow Trout. Cart Coulee Pond has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1977–1982, with about 3,200 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cart Coulee 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 Cart Coulee 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 Cart Coulee Pond was last stocked April 27, 1982, 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 Cart Coulee 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.
Recommended Tackle for Cart Coulee 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 Cart Coulee Pond, freshest activity first.
Anderson Reservoir
2 mi6 species · 45 records
Last stocked September 2025
Dry Lake Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ulrich Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2025
Deer Coulee Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2021
Pr 020 Reservoir
13 mi3 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2020
Woods Place Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2019
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Cart Coulee Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cart Coulee Pond was last stocked April 27, 1982 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cart Coulee Pond?
Cart Coulee Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Cart Coulee Pond stocked?
Cart Coulee Pond is stocked intermittently — 2 recorded stockings between 1977 and 1982.
How many fish have been stocked in Cart Coulee Pond?
About 3,200 fish have been stocked in Cart Coulee Pond across 2 recorded events since 1977, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cart Coulee Pond?
Fish stocked in Cart Coulee Pond average about 9.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cart Coulee 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 Cart Coulee Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Cart Coulee 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.