Carters Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carters Pond was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Carters Pond has 73 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–2026, with about 104,942 fish stocked over that period.
When Carters Pond is stocked
Carters Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 42 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Carters 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 Carters 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 Carters Pond was last stocked May 21, 2026, 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 Carters 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.
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Carters 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 Carters Pond, freshest activity first.
Upper Frog Pond
6 mi1 species · 102 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lower Frog Pond
6 mi1 species · 101 records
Last stocked June 2026
Upper Carters Pond
1 mi6 species · 158 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elks Country Club Pond
6 mi2 species · 78 records
Last stocked May 2026
Big Casino Creek Reservoir
7 mi4 species · 106 records
Last stocked August 2025
Upper Hasler Pond
8 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 7.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 7.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | 12.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 7.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 4.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 4.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 514 | 7.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 571 | 5.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 12.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 547 | 8.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,014 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2019 | Brook Trout | 250 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 852 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,016 | 4.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 8.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2017 | Brook Trout | 250 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 4.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 19, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 201 | 8.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 6.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,004 | 4.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 4.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,055 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,117 | 4.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 3,001 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 995 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 3,228 | 3.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,035 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,023 | 7.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,231 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 3,018 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2001 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,988 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,693 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 255 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,038 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 73 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Carters Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Carters Pond was last stocked May 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Carters Pond?
Carters Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Carters Pond stocked?
Carters Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Carters Pond stocked?
Carters Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 73 recorded stockings between 1986 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Carters Pond?
About 104,942 fish have been stocked in Carters Pond across 73 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Carters Pond?
Fish stocked in Carters Pond average about 6.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Carters 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 Carters Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Carters 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.