Carter Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1965–1984 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carter Pond was last stocked April 12, 1984 with Rainbow Trout. Carter Pond has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1965–1984, with about 10,936 fish stocked over that period.
When Carter Pond is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Carter 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 Carter 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 Carter Pond was last stocked April 12, 1984, 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 Carter 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 Carter 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Carter Pond, freshest activity first.
Janssen Reservoir
13 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2013
Emmons Pond
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1983
Mcgill Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 1983
Krutzfeldt Reservoir
15 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1979
Witcher Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1964
Russif Pond
9 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1964
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 570 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,066 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 3, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Carter Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carter Pond was last stocked April 12, 1984 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Carter Pond?
Carter Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Carter Pond stocked?
Carter Pond is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1965 and 1984.
How many fish have been stocked in Carter Pond?
About 10,936 fish have been stocked in Carter Pond across 11 recorded events since 1965, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Carter Pond?
Fish stocked in Carter Pond average about 3.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Carter 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 Carter Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Carter 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.